THE PRETTY RECKLESS: Death By Rock And Roll (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

After a meteoric rise marked by three albums, "Light Me Up" (2010), "Going To Hell" (2014) and "Who You Selling For" (2016), which installed it at the top of the U.S. charts, The Pretty Reckless has been quiet for the past four years. The main reason for this discographic silence is to be found in the dramas that the group had to face. The first is the death, on May 18, 2017, of Chris Cornell with whom they were touring at the time. More than a simple friendship, an intimate relationship bound the New Yorkers to the singer of Soundgarden. One year later, on April 25, 2018, their producer, Kato Khandwala, was killed in a motorcycle accident, a second death that affected them deeply because more than a technician, the man was considered a full-fledged member of the band, the one who gave them the necessary momentum to create, to move forward. Getting back to work was difficult. "Death By Rock And Roll" was born out of these trials and tribulations and the need to rebuild. Its title sounds like an obvious catharsis, suggesting a menu as dark as personal.

Like their compatriot In This Moment, but in a less vulgar or even racy register, The Pretty Reckless is a band that deserves better than its image of musicians formatted for the US airwaves and teenagers in need of strong sensations but not too much. Nourished by grunge and more generally by (hard) rock and blues rock, the material they concretize is not lacking of thickness, more noble and structured than Maria Brink and her boys' one, with whom they are awkwardly associated because both formations are led by a blonde singer and Taylor Momsen is a guest on "Mother", the last opus of In This Moment. The parallel stops there.

As this fourth effort reminds us even more, it rises well above the record made to seduce American radio stations. Some tracks, by their ease, are obviously made for them. Let's mention 'Turning Gold', which is very successful because it is enhanced by discreet oriental touches in conclusion, 'Rock And Roll Heaven', a quiet mid-tempo with country rock accents or 'Got So High'. The most tender moments ('Standing At The Wall'), nevertheless theaters of sensual performances of the beautiful one who confirms there the extent of a powerful and mellow vocal palette, do not have our preference contrary to the more surly songs.

As a start, 'Death By Rock And Roll' takes out the claws and the sharp riffs. Vibrating with carnal energy, 'Only Love Can Save Me Now' is also a success, as is the heavy and wild 'And So I Went', garnished with children's choirs while 'My Bones' and 'Witches Burn' shape a face of The Pretty Reckless with a creeping sweetness. But the apotheosis of the listening is embodied by the gigantic '25', an ambient and powerfully emotional pulse, which some rightly describe as a pure anthem in the style of the James Bond soundtracks. Justifying the purchase of this album, this track opens the floodgates of a black and yet saving sap, perfect testimony of the torments which shook the group but also - and especially - the force of living which animates them.

If with "Death By Rock And Roll", they sometimes give in to the velvety ballads and make an eye to the American airwaves, The Pretty Reckless signs a great rock record whose precious value lies in its most biting and dramatic meanders. The best bands are often those that feed off the drama they experience. Taylor and his band are certainly one of them. - Official website

THE PRETTY RECKLESS

DEATH BY ROCK AND ROLL

CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

HARD ROCK