TRACK REVIEW: Pave The Jungle – Smiling At Dogs

Image: Pave the Jungle by Matthew Henderson-Newbury

A familiar name to many NARC. readers, Pave The Jungle have been active on the Newcastle music scene for several years now, based around core members Rachael Whittle and Scott Jeffery, with TV Death singer/guitarist Jack Burlison also having passed through their ranks.

After a long break from recording, the group are poised for a new single, the splendidly titled Smiling At Dogs, which finds the duo on sparkling form. Featuring vocals by both band members, Smiling At Dogs is a coolly understated slab of alternative rock with a definite early ‘90s flavour. The song’s slinky groove, surging chorus and earworm chorus evoke early indie rock icons Belly and Pixies, with a dash of Suede’s glam swagger. It’s good to have them back.