ARTIST – THE PRETTY RECKLESS

ALBUM – DEAR GOD

REVIEWER – GRAEME WRIGHT

It’s been five long years since the last The Pretty Reckless album, and it would appear through the writing on this record that there’s been a lot going on in the lives of the band members during this period. It’s the darkest, most introspective and emotional tome that the band have ever released, and it’s brilliance sure puts you through the wringer during its fifty minutes running time. This band have been around for some time, but there’s been a renewed interest in them recently and they definitely know it, because this album sees everything laid bare and thrown down for everyone to see. The title track ‘Dear God’ is one of the greatest songs I’ve heard all year. It hits deep, is sung with real emotion and it’s clear that Momsen means every word because this is raw, brilliant and beautiful. ‘For I Am Death’ was the first single from this record, and it set the scene for what was to follow. Theatrical, dark, weighty, it’s a record that displays a band that is totally comfortable in its own skin.

‘Love Me’ is an astonishing song with Momsen baring her soul. Themes of self doubt, the need for some form of human connection, and lack of faith in one’s own self worth and being all come to the fore quite brilliantly. I wouldn’t want you to think that the message in any way detracts from the music. A huge number of different styles, from Rock to Funk, from electric heaviness to acoustic weight, there’s something for everyone here. Never more so displayed than in ‘Rollercoaster Of Life’, which is bright and breezy and somewhat reminiscent of early Dan Reed with its soulful Funk sound. ‘Dark Days’ is totally different – arch and interesting with a deep dive into a seventies Rock vibe and a mellow opening that builds to something dark and ominous, it’s cinematic in the extreme and wouldn’t have been out of place in a David Lynch film.

A word for the rest of the band – Ben Phillips has never been better, adding real emotion and depth to the proceedings. Damon and Perkins are one of the best back lines out their. Never too intrusive but masters of their craft, they are the metronome that makes the whole thing tick. It’s clear though that Taylor Momsen is a superstar. Mesmerising, soulful, terrifying and honest, this is her best vocal performance on any of The Pretty Reckless albums, and the despair and hope held within this record are completely convincing, making this one of the very best albums of this, (or indeed any), year.

SONGS

1. Life Evermore Pt. 2
2. For I Am Death
3. When I Wake Up
4. Love Me
5. Dragonfire
6. Dear God
7. Life Evermore Pt. 3
8. About You
9. Spell On You
10. Rollercoaster Of Life
11. Eye Of The Storm
12. Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song)
13. Dark Days
14. Life Evermore Pt. 1

BAND

Taylor Momsen – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

Ben Phillips – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

Mark Damon – Bass

Jamie Perkins – Drums