The Jungle Giants are promising more than just a greatest hits set when they arrive in the South West this week, bringing what they describe as the “biggest technical leap” in a tour so far.
The Brisbane indie rock favourites will play at Busselton’s Shelter Brewing Co on July 17 as part of their Experiencing Feelings of Joy Tour, before heading to Perth, treating fans to chart favourites alongside tracks from their fifth studio album.
Speaking to the South Western Times ahead of the show, bassist Andrew Dooris said Experiencing Feelings of Joy, released in May, explores more personal territory from frontman Sam Hales, with that emotional depth shaping the band’s latest live production.
“This record definitely has more mature, deeper themes and touches on personal adversity from Sam and that vulnerability and honesty has really translated to having this really special show where you see people have a lot of different feelings throughout,” he said.
Dooris said the band had evolved alongside its audience over the years.
“Every time you release an album, you kind of cast a net over a different portion of society,” he said.
“So your fans change a lot, especially when you’re five albums in like we are. You’re not always going to have the same people showing up to your concerts, but that’s the beautiful and powerful thing about it.
“Resonance is really special.”
The tour also marks what Dooris calls the biggest overhaul of live shows in The Jungle Giants’ history.
Working with music director Michael Belsar, whose credits include Cut Copy, Hayden James, G Flip and Tones and I, the band has invested heavily in creating a more immersive experience.
“He’s this tech wizard,” Dooris said.
“We’ve changed our live show as much in the last six months as we have in the entire 12 years before this.
“This is the biggest technical leap we’ve made, and that really shows. We have a show that I’m super-duper proud of.”
While the band has played major international shows, Dooris said there was definitely a charm and lure to regional gigs.
“Playing in the big places . . . it’s kind of hard, there’s nowhere to park, everyone’s coming in pretty stressed out,” he said.
“Playing regionally really shows you what real life is about.
“Hanging out with people who are wearing cowboy boots and cowboy hats unironically, they are working in the fields all day then they come to your show with such warmth and they enjoy themselves, and they really respect what you do and they understand what you do in a completely different way.”
While fans can expect plenty of energy on stage, Dooris joked the band is equally excited to make the most of the South West once the music stops.
“You may see a tall drummer in the water right after the set probably,” he said.
“You might have to fish him out to play the set to be honest.”
The Busselton gig forms part of Cabin Fever’s biggest festival program to date, celebrating its 10th anniversary with 40 events across 10 days throughout the Margaret River region.
The Jungle Giants perform at Shelter Brewing Co from 7pm on July 17, with support from The Tullamarines and Tear Drive. Tickets are available through Oztix.
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