‘Strike A Match’ may be Sacred Paws’ debut album, but its captivating earworms and flashes of indie-pop brilliance betray Eilidh Rogers and Rachel Aggs’ pedigree as members of Golden Grrls, Trash Kit and Shopping.
The opener Nothing immediately utilises the melodic guitars and interweaving vocals that have become the band’s staple diet. The track sets a high bar for the rest of the record, but one that is matched by its consistently uplifting tone and the influence of African pop elements throughout, notably on Rest and the guitar lines of the joyous lead single Everyday.
Its carefree air might lead to ‘Strike A Match’ being overlooked as a superficially happy-go-lucky record, but to do so would do it a massive disservice. Empty Body, on which which the duo sing “my empty body is full of worry” and ”going nowhere in a hurry, there must be another way”, fizzes with anxious energy and illustrates more insight into the 24/7, non-stop modern human condition than is the norm for their pop peers.
Equally, Stars relies on minor scales in order to delve a bit deeper. “It went so wrong,” Aggs and Rogers sing before the introduction of screeching synths and guitars. “You know that I tried. It won’t last long. Do you ever wonder why?”. On Voice, Aggs confesses: “This distance between is as big as it’s been, but I know I’ll see you again.”
‘Strike A Match’ is an inspiring reminder that pop is not confined to the vacuous ‘bangers’ that permeate the charts. Sacred Paws have drawn from a plethora of influences to create a unique sound in a scene where many bands have become indistinguishable from one another.
Sacred Paws Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Fri February 10 2017 - EDINBURGH Summerhall
Sun February 12 2017 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Tue February 14 2017 - GATESHEAD Old Police House
Wed February 15 2017 - MANCHESTER Soup Kitchen
Thu February 16 2017 - YORK Winning Post
Fri February 17 2017 - LONDON Islington
Sat February 18 2017 - BRIGHTON Hope and Ruin
Sun February 19 2017 - CARDIFF Undertone
Wed March 08 2017 - ABERDEEN Tunnels
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