The Pretty Reckless Goes to Hell

I really like The Pretty Reckless. I’ve been following them since they played one of their first gigs at Taylor Momsen’s own 16th birthday party in 2009. Though I mostly listened to them back then because of my minor obsession with Taylor herself (and her hair, see below).

#SoMyspace

And I still like her and the band. Admittedly, I can see the problem some people have with her (for example, the large amounts of nudity associated with this album in particular, from poster to cover to the "Heaven Knows" video). Overall though, I appreciate that she is unfalteringly who she is. She wears what she wants and acts how she likes. She is completely in control of her own decisions (because, hello, she's an adult). It’s not some “Kim Fowley putting 14-year-old Cherie Currie in lingerie”* type thing. Plus, she has the talent to back it up (if she was just some girl in garters who couldn’t sing to save her life, I would probably be a lot less on-board). I also respect that she left acting to pursue her music career and has been largely successful with it. 

But enough Momsen thoughts. On to The Pretty Reckless’s new album.

After much strife (Hurricane Sandy destroying their equipment, record label issues, etc), the band's new album Going to Hell will be released worldwide tomorrow.** And it's good, though not exactly what I expected.

I had already heard three songs prior to purchasing the album–“Follow Me Down,” “Going to Hell,” and “Heaven Knows"–and had liked what was there. The songs encompass the dark, children-of-the-damned feel I've come to expect from TPR in a nice (well, nice and hellish) way. Since getting the whole album though, I've found some new favorites. 

I was blow away by the tongue-in-cheek “Why’d You Bring a Shotgun to the Party?”, which I took to be a response to America’s extensive shooting problem (sample lyric: “Everybody’s got one, there’s nothing new about it; wanna make a statement, you should-a come without it”) and also really enjoyed the equally razor-edged, “F—d Up World.” Another decent track in the same vein as these is "Absolution."

I was also pleasantly surprised by some of the more adventurous turns the album took. Both "Burn" and "Waiting For a Friend" have a twangy vibe to them that's almost bluegrass, which works admirably well with Momsen's vocals.

Unfortunately, I was a bit underwhelmed by the rest of the album, but that is largely because they are slower-tempoed songs, something I have a tendency to like less regardless of whose album it is. The tracks may grow on me with multiple listens, but as for now, I'll have "Shotgun" on repeat instead.

Overall, Going to Hell is an commendable second full-length effort from the band. They honed their sound, but also weren't afraid to experiment–a good quality in a band still getting their footing. I look forward to seeing where they go with it, in terms of videos, touring, and whatever else. 

*Talking about The Runaways, for those of you who aren't classic rock/Dakota Fanning enthusiasts.

**I’ve had it since Sunday because I preordered in order to get a subscription to Revolver.