Sacred Paws - Jump Into Life (Album Review)

Sacred Paws’ third album evolves the sound of their afrobeat-infused indie-pop, pairing its expanded sonic palette with a more wistful outlook.

From the opening track it’s clear that ‘Jump Into Life’ is going to different places. Over their first two albums the duo built a distinctive identity that merged complex rhythms with sweet melodies, creating an infectiously vibrant sound based chiefly around guitar and drums. And yet, here Save Something opens with sombre strings. 

Lead singer and guitarist Ray Aggs muses on a break-up in the lyrics, but despite the more downcast subject matter and instrumentation, they can’t help but infuse the song with some warmth. “We’re so far apart, I hope you know you’re not alone,” Aggs sings, as the hook brightens in the chorus. 

At the end of this track we’re also introduced to the brass that’s weaved throughout the album, used both to emphasise the sadness of the lyrics, such as on Turn Me Down, and build on the afrobeat sound during the title track.

Another Day brings another new dimension as a twangy banjo, played by Agg’s father, with whom the singer grew up playing in a family folk band, complements a noodling guitar. Also highlighted is how seamlessly Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers’ vocals blend, with the second vocal adding emphasis to certain phrases. 

The song is vulnerable in its revelations and brilliantly captures the desperation of longing for connection as Aggs sings: “I wanted to know you more / I figured out a way to make you want me / I thought I could break down the doors / with a little patience, but I was so wrong.”

Equally, their offbeat rhythms and dexterous guitar lines, which once showed joy, now create a sense of urgency that is reflected in the lyrics. “Right now I’m on the edge / don’t stand too close / because you know I’ll fall for you,” sings Aggs. 

It’s enjoyable to hear Sacred Paws’ approach develop this way while retaining core aspects of their music but at times it does feel timid —  a toe dipped in the water. Several tracks, such as Simple Feeling and Through the Dark, noticeably stick to the old formula, while Fall For You is an example of getting stuck between stations. It makes more use of strings, adding a dramatic edge, but they also get a little lost in the mix. But no-one said growth is easy and, even when it doesn’t quite work, Sacred Paws never settle for less than delivering songs with heart and precision.

Sacred Paws Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:

Sun May 11 2025 - MANCHESTER YES (The Basement)
Thu May 15 2025 - BIRMINGHAM Hare And Hounds
Fri May 16 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Zerox
Sat May 17 2025 - LONDON Oslo
Sun May 18 2025 - OXFORD Bullingdon

Compare & Buy Sacred Paws Tickets at Stereoboard.com.

More Reviews from Jennifer Geddes

Låpsley - I'm A Hurricane, I'm A Woman In Love

Beirut - A Study of Losses

Lucy Dacus - Forever Is A Feeling

Nao - Jupiter

Horsegirl - Phonetics On and On

Wet - Still Run

Real Friends - Composure

Years & Years - Palo Santo

The Get Up Kids - Kicker

Chvrches - Love is Dead

Leon Bridges - Good Thing

Middle Kids - Lost Friends

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