The Pretty Littles – Force (Cassette)
Described as “a real bastard to make”, ‘Force’ is the result of over a year of line-up changes and gruelling late nights spent alongside producer and long-time mate Greg Rietwyk (Press Club). The record welcomes new band members – and equally long-time mates – Sam, Liamand JP of Melbourne outfit Neighbourhood Youth, whose sonic chemistry is a heavenly elevation for the wry wit and golden charm of frontman Jack Parsons. Long admirers of their respective projects long before this collaboration, the decision to revive The Pretty Littles when all hope seemed lost made almost too much sense.
“To have Sam, JP & Liam’s input, ideas and voices, playing on these songs is a dream come true,” expresses Jack. “We chipped away at the album with Greg over many, many months doing a day here and there. The actual recording was strange – finishing a songs as we were recording them, fucking around with structures and having JP come in to record drums in the arvo after work. Wild to see it all come together and how good Greg made it all sound.”
Blending elements of heartland folk with emo-fuelled garage rock, ‘Force’ is a dynamic exploration that keeps you guessing with every riff, yet if there’s one constant, it’s that not one word is spoken without raw sincerity. Focus track Possum announces the arrival of the band’s new formation, with a howling group chorus that leaves echoes throughout the entire record, while the album’s title-track delivers a scathing commentary on police brutality.
Seven minute epic and future contender for The Great Australian Songbook, Australian Dream dissects tight-lipped suburban trauma in a manner that would earn a nod from some of music’s greatest poets. With drummer JP recording his parts last – jetlagged from a flight from the US and having never heard the song – the completion of Australian Dream is a testament to the workhorse nature of this band.
“Australian Dream took that long to write, I honestly didn’t think it would get finished. It became an exercise that I kept coming back to,” confesses Jack. “My mindset was less about releasing it and more like, imagine if I found a way to arrange and complete this puzzle. I’m a big believer in jumping and the net appearing… something good always tends to happen.”
Label: IdioTape Records
Country: Australia
Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
A limited run of 30 cassettes only