Imagine a piece of bubblegum with a spikey centre and you won’t be far removed from Pretty Little Enemy. The Somerset four piece are a relatively new band and this debut EP is a decent introduction to their worldview. It’s half pop rock, half metal and has a bouncy and energetic vibe along with a charming female vocalist making even the most angst ridden lyric sound like a party. It’s got a few minor flaws but by and large it’s a promising start, even if they do need to get better cover art for the next one.
“Myles” for instance is deceptively sweet. It begins with a big, thudding power chord riff that quickly disappears and gets replaced by a soothing vocal and Chili Peppers-style bass line. There’s no time to be lulled into a false sense of security however because the guitars soon kick back in again and the song escalates faster than a mass brawl between different news teams.
Next track “Vertebreak” takes a similar approach. It’s one part Avril Lavigne, two parts Skunk Anansie but even during the most angst ridden moments, Pretty Little Enemy remain inherently likeable. It’s rock music made by people who like a bit of pop as well and it keeps the good times coming.
Final song “What Makes You” is where they really hit their stride however. The opening duo are good enough place setters but this is the one that’ll make people sit up and take notice. It boasts a killer chorus, is instantly memorable and is just heavy enough to convince that behind the smiles and vibrant hair dye are a group with venom in their veins. It’s not surprising they’ve been asked to support The Lounge Kittens, this song is going to trigger some pogoing.
Not the finished product by any means but as a stepping stone to bigger things, Pretty Little Enemy have set themselves up nicely. This is a very brief listen but it’s an uncomplicated instant fix and leaves you wanting more.
Released 3rd June 2016
Not the finished product by any means but as a stepping stone to bigger things, Pretty Little Enemy have set themselves up nicely. This is a very brief listen but it's an uncomplicated instant fix and leaves you wanting more.
