Jungle performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF.

SAN FRANCISCO — British duo Jungle took its signature nu-disco electronic funk to new new electrifying heights at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Saturday.

The tour was in support of Tom McFarland’s and Joshua Lloyd-Watson’s most danceable album yet, Volcano. This album explores themes of transformation and the raw power of nature. These themes came vividly to life through the fiery visuals that accompanied the performance.

The show began with subtle rumbles as if the sound were coming from beneath the earth’s surface. The crowd erupted in cheers when the duo finally appeared. Crimson light bathed the stage as Jungle opened with the anthemic “Us Against the World.” Fog shrouded the performers in a hazy glow and their silhouettes swayed against a red backdrop. They quickly transitioned to the next song, “The Heat,” from their 2014 self-titled album.

Jungle performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2023.

Backed by a guitarist, two percussionists and backup vocalist, the band segued right into brightly colored bohemian track “Heavy California.” A red sunrise emerged behind the stage as McFarland and Lloyd-Watson harmonized. Jungle’s commitment to creating a truly immersive experience was evident throughout their set. Featured artists from their songs were projected onto the screen and they, too, grooved to the nostalgic-flecked samples.

The set was a fusion of the duo’s hits and newer tracks from Volcano. One of the standout moments came on a simmering rendition of “I’ve Been in Love,” with a pre-recorded clip of Compton rapper Channel Tres’ effortless rapped/sung delivery over reggae beats and synths. There was also the energetic encore of “Busy Earnin'” that had the crowd dancing and singing along.

For the most part, Jungle masterfully transitioned from one hit to another in what felt like a never-ending dance party. Undulating lights, thumping bass and funk-infused beats kept it moving. There was only one abrupt transition, before “Back in 74,” an amalgamation of foot-tapping beats, wooden percussion and acoustic guitar strumming. Its Bossa-infused soul mixed with Crosby, Stills & Nash and< ’90s R&B. The band followed with the significantly more minimalistic funk of “Casio.”

Jungle performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2023.

“Bonnie Hill,” one of a handful of songs from 2021’s Loving In Stereo, was next, with a little jazz flute and smoky saxophone that cut through the drum-like synths. There was a distortion effect at the end of the song, as if it was wobbling and winding down. The sparse, sulky jam “Cherry” arrived right after.

“What D’You Know About Me” exuded a sassy, unbridled joy. Jungle played a bombastic rendition of “Happy Man,” which—despite its detached, almost disembodied vocals—felt like it was brought down to earth by extra snappy disco and funk. McFarland and Lloyd-Watson sang “Time” in their lower register, which added a sultry tone that contrasted with their relentless high energy.

Jungle lingered on technicolor ‘90s house beats between songs and barely paused between tracks. Attendees grooved to “GOOD TIMES,” the techno-inflected “Holding On” and the bouncy “You Ain’t No Celebrity.” Sudanese American rapper Bas appeared onscreen for “Pretty Little Thing.” Bas’ metaphorical imagery about physical and spiritual journeys seemed fitting for the show.

Following a break the band returned for a breezy three-song encore, starting with disco banger “Keep Moving.”

Joesef performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2023.

“For this next song, get absolutely crazy and shake that booty,” one of the two shouted.

Their encore included jubilant house track “All of the Time” and the popular “Busy Earnin.’”

The show began with Scottish alt-soul singer Joesef. He delivered his dulcet and soulful vocals over guitar-led melodies about messy breakups and vulnerability. He was supported by several instrumentalists. The set drew from his soulful debut album, Permanent Damage.

“This next song is about shagging my ex,” said the artist, whose name is Joseph Traynor.

Joesef joked in his Glaswegian accent before playing songs like “Does It Make You Feel Good” and “It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately,” emotive and relatable tracks. He invited the audience to participate by thinking of someone they know and singing along.

“This next song is a cover. If you don’t know me … you’ll know this song,” he said as introduction to Sister Sledge’s “Thinking of You.”

Follow photographer Matt Pang at Twitter.com/mattpangs.