Albums: Other Worlds - The Pretty Reckless

This new album from The Pretty Reckless includes acoustic renditions of some of the band’s own favourites featuring special guests.

The recording of Elvis Costello’s (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding was lead singer and guitarist Taylor Momsen’s first cover, originally performed for the Fearless At Home livestream in the midst of Covid.

On another pandemic-era cover, Matt Cameron played guitar and sang as Taylor powered an airy and lithe reimaging of Soundgarden’s Halfway There, generating hundreds of thousands of views on its initial post.

Iconic multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist Alan Johannes handled guitar on the band’s pensive and poetic interpretation of The Keeper, originally by Chris Cornell, while David Bowie pianist Mike Garson performed a stirring piano movement for Quicksand from The Thin White Duke.

Fans of the band might find these softer and more intimate versions of the songs surprising when they have become accustomed to hearing The Pretty Reckless as a fully charged rock outfit.

Standout tracks include Death By Rock ‘n’ Roll which still retains the anger and power of the original version in this fine acoustic setting including a razor sharp vocal underpinning a hypnotic guitar riff whilst Got So High comes with a country music tinged vibe.

Loud Love sees the group back in more familiar territory as they deliver some meaty guitar riffs over a soulful vocal.

A refreshing reimagining album that sees The Pretty Reckless opting for a completely different path from what they normally tread. For anyone new to the band this new album would be a good introduction- which might lead the listener to discover the original versions of the songs.