Album Review: The Pretty Reckless – Death By Rock and Roll
Reviewed by Dan Barnes
Since The Pretty Reckless emerged onto the scene in 2010 with the their debut record, Light Me Up, concerns have been raised as to whether the band is anything more than a vanity project from actress and model, Taylor Momsen. From a personal point of view, I didn’t have cause to engage with the band and probably judged them on their front women, writing them off as In This Moment-lite, and moved on.
But… when the opportunity to hear band’s new record presented itself I thought this was a good chance to make an informed decision. Eyebrows were raised over at Razor’s Edge HQ when I asked for the record – as my requests are usually for Grind, Punk and Hardcore – but I pride myself in enjoying all the meats of the cultural stew.
The obvious starting point for The Pretty Reckless is Ms Momsen herself. Good looks can only get you so far (apparently) and unless you’re sitting with her picture in front of you as you listen to Death By Rock & Roll then Taylor’s undoubted aesthetic advantage is not going to be a deeming factor as to your enjoyment of the album. (Not judging if you do – just, please, stay safe).
From the outset it’s clear that Ms Momsen possesses an impressive set of pipes and she’s not afraid to use them. Whether she be channelling her inner Maria Brink on Witches Burn and 25 or laying her soul bare on Standing at The Wall and Harley Darling, Taylor’s performance right the way across Death By Rock & Roll is astounding, and would be for any singer.
Taylor is in possession of a soulful voice that is well suited to the genre of music The Pretty Reckless occupy. She seems equally at home raging against the machine on the Tom Morello-guested And So It Went, to the delicate refrains of Got So High.
Musically, The Pretty Reckless are water-tight and Death By Rock & Roll allows them to show off their collective chops. Taylor’s voice is only able to demonstrate her range because her band delivers the musical foundation upon which she can build.
Mixing influences through the pantheon of Rock & Roll and adding blues, psychedelia and modern country elements, Death By Rock & Roll feels very much like a nostalgic trip through the heart of musical influence. In an interview with Vive Le Rock! the band discuss the effects Dylan, The Beatles, AC/DC and more have had on their sound and this is no more evident than in the 80s inspired ballad Rock and Roll Heaven.
In the same way that the Black Widow album changed my view of In This Moment, then Death By Rock & Roll has given me the impetus to delve into The Pretty Reckless’ back catalogue in the knowledge that it’s likely to be a musical treasure trove, rather than an exercise in Hollywood hubris.
