THE PRETTY RECKLESS // O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY, LONDON
With a full house in Brixton, rock is not dead with the high energy of ‘The Pretty Reckless’!
★★★★☆ (4/5)
THE PRETTY RECKLESS PERFORMING AT LONDON’S O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY - 05.11.2022
PHOTOCREDIT: MICHAEL HUNDERTMARK
With The Pretty Reckless breathing new life into ‘Rock N’ Rock’ with in the forefront, singer Taylor Monson has certainly the style and lyrical accomplishment for the band to be what there are today. ‘The Pretty Reckless’ formed in New York City in 2009 and the ‘Death by Rock and Roll’ is their first tour in Europe since 2017. Taylor Momsen’s claim to fame came from acting with the likes of ‘Gossip Girl’ and playing Cindy Lou in ‘The Grinch that stole Christmas’. As a lead singer in a band Taylor Momsen’s voice has the power and at time also very delicately expressive!
Support comes from ‘The Cruel Knives’ former ‘Heavens Basement’ members Sid Glover and Rob Ellershaw formed the British rock band, packing in more punchier and heavier sounds. They bring a killer sound and some energetic vocals to the already packed Brixton Academy with some rock riffs ‘Black Eye Friday’ kicked off their dark rock ballad riff laden set to the delight of the audience. The band have already made waves wiliest previously supporting ‘Wasp’ on tour and certainly packed an epic appreciative set.
After a brief interval to catch ones breath as the lights drop and the countdown is ticking with the booming bass line and a wailing siren the Pretty Reckless welcomed the audience with a the title track of their latest album, ‘Death by Rock ‘n’ Roll’. A statement in itself Taylor Momsen shows off her vocal range, sporting a leather Jacket and red slip. The spotlight is on the middle of the stage with no special effects and a simple black stage design but she commands the attention of the crowd. The lyrical diversity is no cliché, with songs ranging from post break up ‘since you’re Gone’, to the darker side, with the likes of ‘What the Hell was I think of in the first place?’ The band are happy to explore themes some more unsettling and emotional than others.
As the show builds to a climax, Taylor even throws a guitar around her neck to a sleazier anthem ‘My Medicine’ but she is still at easy with the audience as she works her way from one side of the stage to the other!. The highlight of the evening being the rhythmic ‘Heaven Knows’, with the guitarist Ben Phillips and bass Mark Damon taken to a more centre stage playing out some solo strung out riffs.
After a longer absence The Pretty Reckless made a welcome return to the live music scene with four albums and an impressive back catalogue of powerful songs with Taylor Momsen being an engaging powerhouse in her own right!
REVIEW + PHOTOS BY:
MICHAEL HUNDERTMARK
SETLIST:
O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY, LONDON
DEATH BY ROCK AND ROLL
SINCE YOU’RE GONE
ONLY LOVE CAN SAVE ME NOW
AND SO IT WENT
MAKE ME WANNA DIE
MISS NOTHING
JUST TONIGHT
SWEET THINGS
WITCHES BURN
MY BONES
GOING TO HELL
HEAVEN KNOWS
TAKE ME DOWN
ENCORE:
LEARN TO FLY - (FOO FIGHTERS COVER)
ROCKIN’ IN THE FREE WORLD
FUCKED UP WORLD
THE LOAD OUT - (JACKSON BROWNE SONG)