After successfully crowdfunding its way into existence for the second year in a row, Jungle Love Festival definitely had a pretty big onus to give back to its pledgers. And it did not disappoint. The festival had an impressive line-up, showcasing some of Brisbane’s best acts, as well as an unbeatable location at the beautiful Borumba Deer Park in Imbil.

I remember last year’s festival at Lake Moogerah left me impressed, albeit sunburnt and a little worse for wear. But this year’s new location featured plenty of shade and a creek to cool off in. I do definitely appreciate the organisers’ apparent priority of having somewhere to swim, something I think should be mandatory for Queensland festivals in November (or any time outside of winter really).

Jungle Love included a wide variety of acts and entertainment. There were two main stages located close together, upstream there was a larger swimming area and the Mesmerism Chia tent. It was like if Falls or the late Harvest festival had a beautiful riverside baby with Woodford. You could go and dance like crazy at the main stage, then head down for some tea and transcendental meditative music in the tent till late into the night.

Honestly, the location was probably the most beautiful spot for any festival I’ve been to thus far. The rolling green rainforest climbed steeply into the hills behind the creek. Occasionally you would be the park’s namesake deer hanging out next to your camping spot.

Storms threatened to interrupt the festivities all weekend, but luckily just passed over the deer park with occasional light rain and flashes of lightning, which only added to the already electric atmosphere.

This festival really made you realize how good the Brisbane music scene is. I mean, I knew we had some great local bands, but this was like a clusterfuck of awesomeness that almost made me feel like I have been taking our little town for granted.

Local acts MKO Sun, Big Dead and Nonsemble absolutely killed it. Five-piece instrumental group Mr Maps had the crowd in awe, especially when an eerily timed lightning strike danced across the sky behind them at the most climactic part of their set.

Bullhorn brought the big band goodness, with MC Roman and the seven-piece brass band ramping things up on Friday night.

I first saw Astro Travellers at Jungle Love last year and have been a fan ever since. So it was great to see them again this year for a very welcome musical anniversary. Honestly, they are just great and you should put their music into your ear holes.

Osaka Punch had a fist pumpingly high energy set, generating some serious limb flailing and pulling of neck muscles. After recently returning from a 2-year stint in London, I think they were keen to get their home crowd moving again. Wrapping things up for the final act on Saturday night was The Bombay Royale, who offered a unique blend of Bollywood and surf rock.

Not only is this probably one of the best festivals I have ever been to, it’s also incredibly good value for money (especially for those who jumped on board early with the crowdfunding). The ticket includes two days of camping, access to all workshops and events and the whole thing was BYO.

Overall I think a big congratulations are in order to the organisers, crew and musicians that worked and contributed to Jungle Love. The event has come far from its humble beginnings, yet still has stuck to its core ideals of promoting local music and good vibes.

- Chelsea Heaney