Come together back in 2012, over a decade later, UK band The Struts are a fixture in the modern Rock-n-Roll world. A throwback of sorts, possessing a sound that is heavily influenced by everything from ‘60s, ‘70s, or even ‘80s Rock music, they have also shown signs of progression through the years. Most evident with their 2020 album Strange Days, three years later they look to build on that with their brand-new album Pretty Vicious.
Released on November 3, 2023 through their new label Big Machine Records, Pretty Vicious marks their fourth overall studio release. Announced back in August, a little over month after the release of the lively single “Too Good at Raising Hell,” the title-track, “Pretty Vicious” was actually the listener’s first taste of the new material after appearing on the February acoustic EP.
Interesting to hear the album’s namesake track stripped down before actually hearing the fully produced version, it is actually the most explanatory song of the entire album. Yes, “Too Good at Raising Hell” is a fun single, but the album’s strength lies in the less party-like tracks. What this means is that Lead Vocalist Luke Spiller, Guitarist Adam Slack, Bassist Jed Elliott, and Drummer Gethin Davies are turning in their most mature collection of songs to date.
Complete with 10 tracks, the album’s theme is strongly based in the confines of fractured relationship filled with regrets, longing for love, but also realizing that some situations are a little dysfunctional to be sustained. Furthermore, there is a sense of hope, one which reminds, that you might be broken and lost without the one you love, but in spite of the heartache you have either grown or found redemption. A simple concept, what really brings it to life is the sincerity in Spiller’s vocal performance and the overall well-constructed songwriting. Thoughtful, the songs do not force any mood, instead they lie where they may and let the listener’s come to them. In truth, this is a great way to approach the music, because too many bands nowadays seem to force a certain vibe into their songs just to appease an audience. The Struts do not do this with Pretty Vicious, instead they let the music breathe.
Produced by the band themselves, alongside Julian Raymond (Freddie Mercury, Cheap Trick), and executive produced by Scott Borchetta, Pretty Vicious’ feel is fresh, yet heavily rooted in more of a warm, Classic Rock sound. This in mind, the album is strong from start to finish, but some of the best moments include the title-track, “I Won’t Run,” the absolutely perfect Alternative Rock track “Hands On Me,” the heartbreaking “Bad Decisions” and “Somebody Someday,” but also the more upbeat “Gimme Some Blood,” as well as “Better Love.”
These bundles of songs mentioned, are truly the bread and better of this album, but it is not to say the others, which are a little more ruckus, do not offer something as well. All in all, The Struts take the right step forward with Pretty Vicious and continue to show that they are not working with a one string guitar. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Pretty Vicious 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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