JUNGLE
Jungle, 713 Music Hall, Houston, TX 9/23/2026
Jungle Turns Back Time at 713 Music Hall on the Sunshine World Tour
Jungle shows feel like a time machine.
The British group is no stranger to Houston, having consistently made stops in the city throughout its career. During the show, the band reflected on performing in Houston as far back as 2015, making their return to 713 Music Hall feel like another chapter in a relationship that has grown alongside their music.
Before Jungle took the stage, RIO KOSTA set the mood for the night. The Los Angeles-based duo consists of multi-instrumentalists and producers Mike Del Rio and Kosta Galanopoulos, who were joined by a full band for their opening set. Their sound feels like it was pulled straight from another era, blending ’70s-inspired funk, soul and jazz into something warm and effortlessly cool. They were the perfect pairing for Jungle, immediately putting the room in a feel-good mood and introducing the retro energy that would carry throughout the night.
That energy continued with Jungle’s Sunshine World Tour, named after their fifth studio album, Sunshine, which was released just last month on August 14. The album also marks a new chapter for the group, officially welcoming longtime collaborator and vocalist Lydia Kitto alongside founding members Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
There’s something about Jungle’s music that feels like an instant serotonin boost. It’s soulful, funky, disco-inspired and effortlessly danceable. Their sound transports you back to the days of Studio 54, when the goal was simply to dance, be carefree and live in the moment. For a couple of hours, that’s exactly what 713 Music Hall felt like.
The stage featured Jungle’s full band and background singers, framed by LED screens with the group’s name displayed prominently in the center. But the lighting was what really brought the production to life. It felt meticulously curated to each song, with the colors shifting to match the mood and energy of the music. The lighting, visuals and sound all worked in synergy, making the show feel less like something you were simply watching and more like something you were experiencing.
Kitto’s soulful vocals fit effortlessly into Jungle’s sound, and it was especially fun to see her accompanied by background singers who weren’t just there to sing. They danced alongside her with synchronized choreography, adding even more movement to the stage. That’s what makes Jungle so captivating live. Every singer, musician and instrumentalist plays a part in creating the experience.
The set moved through Jungle’s catalog with songs like “The Wave,” “Someday, Somewhere,” “Come Back to Me,” “Sunshine,” “Candle Flame” and “Back on 74,” with six songs from the new album making the Houston setlist. One of the sweetest moments came when the band stopped to recognize a woman and her daughter who had been dancing in the second-floor balcony throughout the show. It perfectly captured the spirit of the night: at a Jungle show, you’re supposed to dance.
Toward the end of the set, giant clear beach balls were released into the crowd, bouncing across the venue as fans danced and played with them. By then, 713 Music Hall had completely transformed into one big party.
That’s the magic of Jungle. Their music feels nostalgic without feeling dated. It’s escapism. It’s music that makes you move, puts you in a good mood and allows you to forget about everything else for a while. The Sunshine World Tour was a fully immersive experience that didn’t just sound good or look good. It made you feel good.
For one night, Jungle turned 713 Music Hall into a time machine, and all Houston had to do was dance.
Shot and Written by Loreal Curtis.
