The Pretty Reckless - Light Me Up Review

Story by Jacob Fricke 

| Published Sep 7, 2010

Earlier this year, Courtney Love revived her mid-90s grunge band Hole. She, and a collection of teenage hired guns, put out an album that could generously be described as lacking. A ‘90s revival, it seemed, was out of the question.

It is surprising, then, that an album with a pure Hole sound could emerge only months later. Even more surprising is the source of this music: the Pretty Reckless, a musical vehicle for Taylor Momsen, star of “Gossip Girl.”

“Light Me Up” is the quartet’s first album release, and first time listeners will be floored by Momsen’s sheer vocal power. Despite being 17 years old, her voice sounds like a gin-soaked Sara Bareillis. Her voice certainly isn’t made for Top 40 radio, as lovers of auto-tune will certainly be intimidated by it.

It is unfortunate, then, that the rest of the band doesn’t shine as brightly. Though they are certainly skilled, the album music is generally unimpressive. Song structure is standard, and while the musicians are certainly skilled, very little is inspired. All songs hover around the 3:30 minute mark, and by mid-album the music becomes difficult to distinguish. The Pretty Reckless wear their influences on their sleeve, and this sadly blurs the line between homage and rip-off.

Fans of Hole, Garbage, and the mid-90s post-grunge explosion (such as myself) will enjoy this album for what it is: the first release of a talented but young group who are trying to define their own sound.

Recommended Tracks: “Light Me Up,” “Factory Girl,” “Since You’re Gone”