Rum Jungle, the Central Coast-based band, is celebrating remarkable success as their debut album, Recency Bias, has soared to the top of the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, landing at the #1 position just weeks after its release on February 21, 2025. This achievement is particularly notable as the band released the album independently via The Orchard, without the backing of any major label.
The excitement surrounding their new album was palpable, and after ARIA announced their chart position on social media, the band took to Instagram to express their gratitude, stating, “WE’RE NUMBA 1! God we love you all, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” They continued, “#9 overall next to some of the biggest hitters on earth,” highlighting their impressive company, which includes prominent artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
The energy infused within the album stems from its unique creation process, according to lead singer Benny McIntyre. He reflected on the challenges and joys of recording and touring simultaneously: “The energy of juggling touring and recording seven days a week fed the record for sure. We’d record, listen to rough mixes in the tour bus, test out ideas during soundcheck, and come straight back to the studio with fresh ears and fresh ideas.”
Rum Jungle's touring schedule has matched their album’s success. Their current tour of Australia and New Zealand is nearly sold out, with only limited tickets remaining for upcoming shows in Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart. The band has already sold out eight dates across cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
With only four shows left on their Australian itinerary, the band is poised to continue wowing crowds with their live performances. The last dates are set for Perth on March 6 and 7, followed by Adelaide and Hobart. After completing their Australian leg, Rum Jungle is excited to take Recency Bias to the United States, where they have already sold out shows scheduled for New York, Toronto, and Chicago.
This momentum appears poised to carry them through their upcoming performances, with highlights including their New York show at Mercury Lounge on March 19 and additional performances across major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Benny McIntyre emphasized how meaningful this tour is for the band, saying, “To see how people are reacting so far, knowing we backed ourselves, is absolutely unreal.”
Rum Jungle's music, characterized by surf rock and indie vibes, captures the essence of summer blended with moods of nostalgia and energy, making it the perfect soundtrack for road trips along the coast. Their recent feature on triple j as the album of the week has only cemented their growing reputation within the Australian music scene.
For fans eager to experience their sound live, remaining tickets for the March shows offer the only chance to catch Rum Jungle before they launch their international tour. With tickets selling quickly, music lovers are encouraged not to miss the opportunity to enjoy the band's signature sound and vibrant live energy.
Looking ahead, Rum Jungle’s approach to music and performance signifies not just their immediate successes but hints at future prospects, driven by their artistic vision and strong connection with their audience. With the innovative methods seen throughout their recent recordings and energetic performances, the band shows no signs of slowing down as they continue to make waves both locally and internationally.