Rum Jungle are one of the best Oceania exports of the last decade. Their infectious indie surf discography is a mix of catchy upbeat indie anthems, sing-a-long  heartbreak acoustic ballads and chilled indie reggae fusion. I’ve been fortunate enough to see them live 4 times, every gig has felt like one big sing-a-long party, and I absolutely recommend seeing them live.

Formed in 2017, the Australian four piece have gone from playing on their balconies to playing around the world. Originally from Newcastle, Australia, the band grew a local reputation with their first EP’s in 2017 & 2018 before building a loyal fanbase that spread across the world. Rum Jungle are made of members Benny McIntyre (vocals and guitar), Josh Giles (lead guitar), Michael Kolmajer (bass guitar) and Frazer McDonald (drums).

Me and my mates discovered Rum Jungle in 2022 and have been huge fans ever since. My favourite material of Rum Jungle is found in their initial EP era from 2017-2024, but their two albums are also a fantastic listen. Rum Jungle are a song writing machine, they consistently release a great standard of music and sound track many of our car journeys together.

Here are 5 Rum Jungle songs that mean the most to me:

Everything Is Easy (2022)

We will start with of Rum Jungle’s main indie anthems. Hearing this song will always take me back to watching a crowd in Newquay bounce to the chorus of ‘let’s just go!’ Everything is Easy is an example of Rum Jungle’s fantastic ability to write a catchy hook. I love the dynamics within the song and how it builds.

Keep (2020)

Rum Jungle’s reggae fusion influences shine through in ‘Keep’. This was the song which got me into this band, it’s moody, full of tension and takes the learner on a journey. The guitar parts, the changing of rhythms, the memorable vocals is everything I love about the band.

Quiet When You’re Listening (2026)

Rum Jungle’s second and most recent album had some brilliant moments. This track is my favourite on the album, a feel good infectious indie track which builds up nicely. I am sure this will be a new crowd favourite during their live shows.

What’s It Like (2025)

For me, it’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. It’s been the soundtrack to many highs and lows in my life. The guitar tone just instantly gives the song warmth and it’s matched by one of my favourite choruses of all time. It’s one of the ultimate last night sing a long songs. Singing this at the top of my voice with your friends at a Rum Jungle gig is something I highly recommend.

Pass You By (2025)

Another song full of emotions from their debut album is Pass You By. Me and my friends were lucky to see Rum Jungle 2 times in 3 days at the start of the 2026. Both times they ended on this sing along. ‘All my life I will wonder why, let’s just say that it was a good time’. For me, it’s a perfect way to look on chapters of our lives that ended with fondness as well as looking to a hopeful future.

The World Needs Music Hall of Fame Ranking

Rum Jungle will always hold a special place for the remainder of my time, they’ve been the perfect soundtrack to my mid to late twenties. If you haven’t listened to them before, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. For that reason, they go straight into the ‘Oceania Icons’. What a band.

Check out my Spotify best of playlist of Rum Jungle for more recommendations:

Thank you for reading.

Sam