Sacred Paws – Jump Into Life
Filled with effervescent joy, despite its lyrics of heartbreak and healing, Sacred Paws' latest album Jump Into Life is pure catharsis
All good things come in threes, so the saying goes. With the eagerly awaited arrival of Sacred Paws’ third album via Mogwai’s Rock Action label, that sentiment still rings true. The duo of Ray Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers are now older and wiser. So too is their music. Filled with effervescent joy, despite its lyrics of heartbreak and healing, Jump Into Life is pure catharsis in all senses of the word.
Another Day spearheads the album’s ethos. The pair’s vocal harmonies are as infectious as ever. Banjo lines provide a playful new depth, whilst its purposefully plain lyrics are refreshingly relatable. The title track and Simple Feeling show the best of Sacred Paws’ glorious afrobeat guitar work, while Fall For You brings post-punk-esque approaches to the fore. Album opener Save Something could have offered a gut-wrenchingly emotive moment, if its beautiful strings, brass and vocals weren’t overshadowed by excessive drums. However, this is just one exception among an album of towering energy, patiently crafted songwriting and sensational musicianship – as well as dazzling drumming.
Wide-eyed in sound and vision, three is the magic number for Sacred Paws. They haven’t just jumped into life... they’ve leaped.
Listen to: Another Day, Simple Feeling, Jump Into Life