Hit Me Like A Man EP – The Pretty Reckless
Album Review by Tamara Fuentes
If you were like me, you’ve probably heard of The Pretty Reckless, but never actually got around to hearing them. After releasing their debut album in 2010 and touring for the past 2 years, The Pretty Reckless are back with their latest EP that will not only quench long-time fans’ thirst for a new album but also bring in some new fans.
Taylor Momsen, or widely known as Jenny Humphries from Gossip Girl, has certainly come a long way from her GG days, but that hasn’t stopped her from moving forward. The crowd’s screams and her voice open up the album, followed with a live version of their debut release “Make Me Wanna Die” which features the crowd singing and cheering along with Momsen’s killer vocals which reminds us that usually the best way to start an EP is to remind people how they got there.
After that they move on to a newbie “Hit Me Like A Man”, which features guitarist Ben Philips heavily going along with Momsen’s voice showing that the two certainly make a perfect pair when it comes to music. The song showcases Momsen’s range, unlike the other songs in the album, and the lyrics show that even a new EP can’t keep them away from what they gave us in their previous album.
“Under the Water” opens up with Momsen’s powerful voice backed up by an acoustic guitar. After a few measures, she is joined by a large choir which harmonizes with her throughout the song along with soft drums, electric guitar, and later a small synth and violin section, giving it a haunting feel which carries throughout the song, giving the lyrics a powerful new meaning. In the middle of the song, Momsen’s screams and Philip’s guitar solo move the song to a different level that wasn’t seen in the previous two tracks.
“Since You’re Gone” brings us back to the concert previously heard in “Make Me Wanna Die”, giving previous fans a taste of something old but sweet. While the crowd isn’t heard until the end of the song, you can still feel the energy from the band itself and it’ll make you wonder why you’re not there with them.
The final track “Cold Blooded” opens up with a killer guitar and an almost organ-like synth which gives the song the pervious tracks gave but slows down when the bass and drums come in. This song features Matt Damon and Jamie Perkins, the band’s bass player and drummer respectively, more than the other songs, showing off their talent and what they bring to the group. Also featured is lead guitarist Philip on vocals which, while harmonizing with Momsen in the song’s chorus, helps give the song a blues-like feel while still staying true with the band’s nature.
In the end, The Pretty Reckless leave new fans and old lovers, wanting more.
Overall rating: 4/5
Official site: www.theprettyreckless.com/
