4AM KRU burst onto the scene in 2020 with an energy rarely seen in mainstream music. They are masters of disguise in their music, packing clever samples into fast beats, along with graceful breaks and electronic elements that warp and expand. Their creativity in production is a standout in the nu-jungle genre, each track bringing unpredictable elements and a unique ID. 

They were born in London, the birthplace of Jungle in the early 1990’s, a scene that reflected a rebel spirit. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act attempted to shut down young peoples’ energy and creativity as rave culture had always faced strong opposition due to the fear of violence and drugs, when people were just trying to have fun. Pirate radios and jungle music went hand in hand.

4AM KRU brings us a fresh, mind-bending version of jungle music reminiscent of this era. Their first track ‘King Konger’ has a rapid beat, warped sample vocals and expansive electronic breaks, heralding great things to come. ‘It’s Alright Baby’ is like a wicked jungle Christmas tune, with disconcerting samples and bells, not to mention the heavy bass and breakbeat. ‘London Girls’ is addictive, with a majestic sample, piano chords and beat that floats with ease, fading out at one point with a euphoric effect. Every beat glides beautifully, strange yet danceable. 

The KRU’s aesthetic is London inspired, cartoon like, and genuinely creative, with an astonishing level of detail on the cover of each single. The 4AM KRU rat is atop the shard in the cover art of their debut track , and perhaps Dalston Junction via The Moon gives us a clue of their high ambitions and potential. The ‘Good Time’ cover is a trippy take on Dali’s ‘The Persistence of Memory’. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into these illustrations.

‘High Time’ is their hit track, for a good reason. How they found ‘Gangsta Pat’, I don’t know; one of the finest gems of a sample I’ve seen in a while, reminiscent of MJ’s ‘The Lady in My Life’. ‘Stay Puffed’ is another great sample, injected with energy, synths and an infectious beat breathing new life into it with relentless breakbeats. They’re developing too. ‘Pianos Raining Down’ and ‘Ooh Boy’ are proof of further potential. The duo somehow bring a four-dimensional element to jungle music, playing with our expectations to twist samples, change up beats and provide luscious instrumentals throughout. 

4AM Kru have already made waves: reinventing the jungle scene, and securing huge sets at the likes of Reading festival and Boardmasters recently. Their recent single ‘Ribena’, incidentally released the weekend before Notting Hill carnival. It has an 80s reggae sample of Papa Levi, bringing a party spirit and epitomising the celebration of summer. 4AM Kru's debut album 'Incognito Rhythm' was released on the 12th of September; it's even more fast-paced, sample heavy jungle to cap off summer of 2024.