Jerome Farah - Concrete Jungle Fever [Video]

Australia’s Jerome Farah drops his first single of 2021 and setting a real statement of intent: he did not come to play. The explosive ‘Concrete Jungle Fever’ is his fourth solo single serving us undeniable energy. Built upon a chaotic full-bodied, funk-laced bass line is Jerome’s bold rapid flow, placing his verses alongside the likes of Busta Rhymes and giving this track a frightening charm.

The singer-songwriter and producer asserted himself as a much-sought-after collaborator after a breakout last year, which saw him turn heads across the Australian music scene. His work thus far brandished his consciousness, from his politically resonant and jarring debut ‘I Can’t Breathe’, to the contemplative nature of ‘Mikey Might’ and the tongue-in-cheek attitude on ‘Vibrate’. ‘Concrete Jungle Fever’ maintains his bold and fearless approach, this time offering huskier vocal snarls which relay his social and political criticism amongst the tracks' menacing dynamics.

Speaking of the track Farah shared, “‘Concrete Jungle Fever’ is about not being the things that people want you to be. Even if you tick all their stereotypical boxes, it's about being you, even if you upset people along the way.” Having already established himself as an APRA-Award winning and ARIA-nominated songwriter - as well as his debut singles having amassed over a million streams worldwide, it would appear his self-belief and risk-taking approach seems to be treating him well.

The release also comes with an outlandish video directed by ARIA-nominated director Sanjay de Silva who's previously directed videos for fellow Australia-based artist, Sampa The Great. Starring Jerome himself as multiple characters, the visuals illustrate a funhouse nightmare. Not only does it capture the rebellious vigour of the track, but it also imitates the painful turmoil of the racism depicted in the lyrics. On the video Farah stated, “I wanted the video to be crazy and have uncontrollable energy like the song! Each character I play represents the person people expect me to be and the video is a metaphor for how people's perceptions of us can change, shape us or force us into roles we are uncomfortable with."

You can watch the surreal video for ‘Concrete Jungle Fever’ here: