The Pretty Reckless have released their highly-anticipated 12-track fourth studio album, Death by Rock and Roll, which is covered in grief and heartache written after the loss of close friends and work colleagues.
It’s clear to see the band are more interested in their artistic persona than making tracks that are radio-friendly or watered down to lose their true meaning. It’s a confident collection of masterful tracks that is full of persuasive rock, important topics discussed in each song, and accompanied by lead singer Taylor Momsen’s amazing vocal control throughout the record that is a breathtaking moment in awe of her vocal delivery.
The title-track ‘Death by Rock and Roll’ opens the record with exhilarating instrumentation with passionate vocals. It’s a skillful and perfect opening track with a mixture of vibrant and powerful production that will linger with delight as the rest of the record proceeds.
‘Only Love Can Save Me Now’ has bluesy grunge riffs with an infectious dramatic chorus building up to the wonderful melodies with a memorable feature with Matt Cameron, and Kim Thayil.
Exhibiting a mesmerizingly melodic, powerhouse vocals, and utter rock perfection, ‘And So It Went’ is an electrifying track that features fellow rock legend Tom Morello. The lyrics are gripping and expressful that showcase their spirited musical taste, with a great pace and rhythm with anticipation underneath the vibrant vocals alongside the instrumentation that bring the song to life.
‘25’ opens with a thrilling verse that is expressively passionate. It’s a remarkable infectiously powerful rock listen with impeccable vocal abilities, energising instrumentation, making it a soaring power ballad.
‘My Bones’ is a roaring hell-raiser covered in explosive and emotive anthemic instrumental making it a crippling track in a sense it showcases the burden one carries.
‘Got So High’ and ‘Standing at the Wall’ are an acoustic testament to the album .
‘Broomsticks’ conjures vivid imagery with an entertaining production and amazing vocals.
‘Witches Burn’ has a lot of anger and frustration present being in an industry that is sexist. The vocals have tension that brings the song to life in a way that is beyond perfection with her throaty scowls and snarls, with rock and roll instrumental cutting the guitar riffs.
‘Turning Gold’ has optimism that infuses beautiful vocal harmonies with grit and showcases the incredible power of her voice.
‘Rock and Roll Heaven’ is an ode to the music that has saved her life as the band crafted an excellent hopeful tune that gives hopeful vibes for the future, while reminiscing on the past that is long gone.
Closing out the record with ‘Harley Darling’ which has a hopeful note and loses the pity-party moment for an embraceful summing of the album.
The band doesn’t shy away from important issues faced from life’s tragedies. Musically and lyrically there’s no one track that represents the record as a whole. Although on a songwriting part, there’s strength in the emotions present with no filter that presents itself as a worthy and incredible listen. There is truly an impressive consistency, growth, and solid rock and roll songwriting present throughout the album itself.
It’s truly a soul-touching piece of work being a timeless tribute to the musical genre with excellence. Embracing the best characteristics of rock and roll with unforgettable tales throughout the album, Death by Rock and Roll, is a memorable listen with flavourful addictive anthems, ground-shaking drums, and fiery guitar riffs.
There’s a musical evolution present with this exceptional record making it a powerful release being a memorable music soundtrack. Although it’s a hard-hitting and heart-wrenching move to write so close to home with devastating stories, The Pretty Reckless reflected on their personal experiences and created art from their suffering. From mourning death, to celebrating life, Death by Rock and Roll, is a fantastic addition to the band’s musical discography.
Words by Danielle Holian