Written and Photos by Chloe Diehl
I have a weak spot for some sexy, reverb-soaked, disco jam bands, which is a tough genre to come across in a place like Houston. Attending last month’s Jungle concert at Houston’s 713 Music Hall filled that void.
This was my first time conducting press at 713 Music Hall. I was humbled by the venue's sheer size, with a huge standing-room floor and upper floors for VIP seating. Despite the concrete warehouse aesthetic, the venue was impressive. The perfect venue to support such a phenomenal group.
Jungle brought out a moving set. Though the band has a lot of members, they worked together harmoniously, and each one shone in their own way. Their golden aura ignited a powerful energy throughout the performance, making the venue feel completely ethereal. I was transported into a new universe. 
The LA-based group Rio Kosta opened for Jungle, with each member sporting a distinct Silver Lake style. The bassist wore a utilitarian cargo jumpsuit with a bucket hat; the lead guitarist wore a Canadian tuxedo and aviators; the drummer wore a funky beret; the bongo player wore a blazer and top hat; and the rhythm guitarist wore an elaborately patterned black-and-white button-down. Their music perfectly mirrored their outfits: unique, eclectic, funky, yet remarkably cohesive.
I am typically very critical of opening acts. Sometimes the opening acts don't resonate with the main act. However, Rio Kosta had Jungle's similar confidence and musicianship. The songs were uplifting and hypnotic. I couldn’t help but raise my hands up high and sway along to their set.
My favorite song of their set was “Mountain Top”. Funny enough, I came across that song on my TikTok feed, which urged me to sign up for the Austin Marathon. The video showed a drone shot of a mass of runners heading toward the skyline, with a sunrise in the background. Truly uplifting and motivating. The perfect song to enhance the video. Seeing that video, I thought it was fate to sign up… and sure enough… I SIGNED UP!!!! 
With Rio Kosta’s song in the background, I have ingrained the core memories of fulfilling one of my biggest dreams: completing a marathon. Hearing such an impactful song live made me reflect on that accomplishment and put me in a good mood for the rest of the concert.
Rio Kosta’s set prepared me for lift-off into the Jungle’s magical performance. The curtains open, but the lights stay dark. The drums kick off the introduction to “Smile”. The harmonized vocals hit, and the orange “Jungle” sign illuminates. Adrenaline rushes through my veins. I'd just stepped into a musical trip unlike any I'd ever experienced.
The hypnotic, soul-drenched harmonies entranced me throughout the chorus; the sensational background dancers served, and the deep drumline and thumping bass led the crowd to groove side to side. I landed straight into a psychedelic disco wonderland. The mind-bending production and orange-glowing backdrop made the space feel warm and pulsating with pure funk.
Two of their biggest songs featured artists like Channel Tres and Erick the Architect. I was worried about how they would perform their featured songs without them physically in the venue. However, they provided a cool visual and audio focal point that blended well with the live song, creating a seamless connection between pre-recorded vocals and live instrumentation that kept the energy high throughout the room.
My favorite song they played was their hit, “Keep Moving.” The opening introduction left everyone in awe. They stood still, holding the audience’s attention with the lingering anticipation of the sudden breakout riff on the keys. The background dancers body rolled and vogued as the instrumentals worked their magic. It was a truly unstoppable groove.
It was the first concert in years that left me with such a lingering ache of post-performance depression. Replaying the vivid lights and pulsing bass in my mind, I needed the quiet car ride home. A silence that let the night's magic slowly settle in.