W: Ray Green

This release marks a transition from a band that makes you move to a band that makes you feel. It’s a sophisticated step forward that should translate beautifully to the larger rooms they’re hitting on their current UK/EU tour

Fresh off the momentum of their chart-topping debut Recency Bias, Newcastle’s Rum Jungle return with “Coal Dust,” a track that proves they are far more than just a high-energy festival band. While their earlier work captured the kinetic energy of youth, this new single finds them in a reflective mood, navigating the "crushing weight of growing up." It is a song defined by a gentle ache, trading their usual freneticism for a sound that is patient, spacious, and emotionally direct.

The lyrical heart of “Coal Dust” explores the complicated relationship we have with our roots. As frontman Benny explains, the track captures that shift in perspective where a hometown goes from feeling like a cage to feeling like a sanctuary. It’s a relatable, bittersweet narrative about "flying the nest" only to realize that the places we once desperate to escape are the ones that truly shape us. This maturity in songwriting suggests a band that is comfortable slowing down to let the atmosphere do the heavy lifting.

Complementing the lead single is the B-side “Dumb Waste Of Nothing,” which leans back into the band’s psych-slacker origins. Where “Coal Dust” is polished and pensive, this track is loose and instinctive, born from a seamless late-night session. Maje describes the vibe as a "second-hand canvas steeze," and that raw, unforced energy provides the perfect counterweight to the A-side's emotional depth. Together, these two tracks showcase a band in total command of their identity.

Ultimately, this release solidifies Rum Jungle’s position as one of the most compelling acts in the current indie landscape. They’ve managed to retain their signature charm while adding a layer of sophisticated self-reflection. As they embark on their biggest UK and European tour to date, “Coal Dust” serves as a powerful reminder that while they may be traveling further from home than ever before, they haven't forgotten the ground they stand on.