The excitement for the release of The Pretty Reckless' second studio album has really got to me. They're not quite one of my favourite bands but listening to about approximately ten of their songs for the past four years naturally gets tiresome after a while and after hearing the recently released singles, Going to Hell and Heaven Knows, a new light of positivity (a dark light, might I add) was shone and it represented the return of The Pretty Reckless.
Maturity is certainly not something that the band want to make subtle. Follow Me Down conspicuously opens with what can only be described as sex noises. This introduction is slightly controversial, slightly inappropriate but very Taylor Momsen. Following this are singles, Going to Hell and Heaven Knows which are energetic, catchy and generally great songs, great enough for them to make it into mainstream charts. Occasionally there are a few songs which show Momsen's voice in a less grunge-y tone such as House on a Hill but this is quickly forgotten. The innocent vocals are representative of heaven which juxtapose with the recurring theme of going to and living in hell. What is different between this album and their first studio album, Light Me Up is the duo vocals and the wider use guitarist Ben Phillips' voice which appear largely in Sweet Things. Their retro persona is represented through the 90/00's inspired melodies in Fucked Up World and Blame Me shows similar inspiration but whilst the mellow nature of the song doesn't show technicality in Momsen's voice, it definitively highlights her individual tone. Creativity is shone through Why'd You Bring a Shotgun to the Party with the sudden ends of the guitar chord patterns imitating shotgun sounds and the overall fun-ness to it.
The Pretty Reckless appear to be putting a lot of effort into presenting this grungey/rock ethos about them with this album. There is less emphasis on pop rock than the last album and whilst the album is good, I still feel that it doesn't particularly present talent to the best of their ability. Despite this, the band have great potential and hopefully this can translate onto further releases as well as their live performances. Both Cindy Lou Lou and Little-J have grown up and Taylor Momsen is truly growing into her own person.
Have you heard any of The Pretty Reckless' new songs? What do you think?
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