On Friday, Oct. 3, the British rock and roll band, The Struts released their fourth record titled “Pretty Vicious.”
Since the band released their first record, 2016’s “Everybody Wants,” the band’s lineup has stayed consistent. Luke Spiller is featured on lead vocals, with Adam Slack on guitar, Jed Elliot on the bass guitar, and Gethin Davies on the drums.
The entire record contains 11 different songs and has a run time of 45 minutes of pure classic British rock and roll.
The album starts with “Too Good At Raising Hell.” This is a perfect opening track to a Struts record; the song is fun and has an overall jumpy vibe to it. Slack is able to let loose during the guitar solo without over-shredding and keeping the solo on the melodic side. What I loved about the ending of this song is the singalong section which makes the track extremely memorable.
The following song and the title track of the album, “Pretty Vicious,” has a driving beat from Davies on the drums, and the song is a tad bit on the mellow side. What is unique about this song is that the band’s instruments and vocals are a little quieter and the vibe of the song is more focused on the drum beat than other instruments.
What I loved about this track was the mysterious feeling that I felt while listening. There is something about the muffled guitar and bass that makes the drums and vocals stand out so much more, as if the band only wants you to pay attention to the vocals and drums.
I think during songs like these, you can truly appreciate the lead singer and or the drummer. Spiller is such a gifted singer and this song in particular enhances his vocals. Fans can really hear the rawness in his voice which leaves a lasting impact on listeners.
Track five, “Do What You Want,” is similar to the opening track in that it’s a jumpy song that gets fans hand-banging and nodding their heads back and forth. Slack’s solo is perfect for this song and a tambourine is featured throughout which adds a stomp-your-foot and bob-your-head vibe to the track.
I think what works so well for The Struts is their use of a catchy chorus that gets stuck and ingrained into your brain. Track seven, “Remember The Name” does just that. This song has a very similar vibe to a Def Leppard track. When I saw the band back in July I wished I could have heard this song live. It has become one of my favorite songs off the record and should be incorporated into the band’s setlist during their shows.
As I’ve mentioned in other articles, with bands like Dirty Honey and Mammoth WVH, The Struts are one of the few young bands around that are leading the charge of a new generation of rock fans. When I saw them live in concert this past summer, the crowd was mainly younger fans and the band brought the house down in New York City.
To be able to listen to a band put out a strong record is really encouraging for what is to come for the rock and roll scene. With music like the one off this record, it’s safe to say that rock and roll is here to stay and it’s got a little strut in its step.
Now, let’s finish this record off with The Singers Thoughts:
- The Struts are a great band and this is such a good record. I really want to hear some tracks off this album live.
- Now that they have been announced as an opener for Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators tour, I would love a collaboration between Slash and Kennedy or The Struts.
- I am such a live music fantastic so a live album of this record would also be amazing
Overall Grade: 7/10
