Pretty Polly- Now or Never

1. So Comfortable 2. So Long 3. Lesson Learned (The Rain Song) 4. The Pronunciation Of You 5. And All You're Lacking Is Substance

After dealing with many setbacks that would destroy lesser willed musicians, including the recent departure of their bass player due to time restraints, the imposing prospects of a long recording and mixing effort that encompassed most of a year, and the auditioning process to find a new bass player, you might expect the death of Pretty Polly.

But that dear readers, would be a horribly wrong assumption. This is a band that can not be swayed by tragedy, a band who are completely dedicated to their sound, and absolutely refuse to give up. And with good reason. Pretty Polly return with vehement brilliance with the release of their latest E.P., "Now or Never", and show exactly why they must do everything in their power to continue. This is a band brimming with pure and unaldalterated emotion. A creature that is fed by both negative and positive energy that produces strangely addictive, intensly passionate musical compositions.

Currently consisting of Rob G. on guitars and lead vocals and Stevie D. on drums and vocals, Pretty Polly have carved a niche for themselves in the alternative rock/post hardcore scene. Rob's guitarwork is both melodic, heavy and crunching, and his songwriting skills are top notch. Stevie D... what can I say? This guys is amazing. A veritable rythym machine, churning out beat after dynamic beat with a force that leaves you slack jawed. Together they form a symbiosis. And when Stevie sings, take cover. His vocals are just as hard-hitting as his drums.

Songs full of harmony, vigorous energy, and intelligent lyrics. I defy you to hear this album and not be moved. Seriously. You just can't. Pretty Polly, know what they were meant to do, and they do it well. In the words of one of their biggest fans, "They rock your socks off". And they do. Rest assured.

Songs that really impressed me were "Lesson Learned" with it's beautiful chord progressions and harmonic voals, the sometimes gritty and harsh changes and spectacular drums of "And All That You're Lacking Is Substance" , and my favorite of the album, the undeniably powerful "So Long", which blows me away in every way.

As if the album wasn't great enough already, Pretty Polly also include an exceptional accompanying DVD that features tons of live, practice, and fan footage. A great way to really learn who they are, totally satisfying and humorous to say the very least.

The only problem I had with this album was that it was only an EP! Every song on "Now or Never" is thoroughly enjoyable, and I would have liked to hear many more on this release. This is an album I recommend highly to any fan of music, whatever genre they may be most comfortable with. Pretty Polly harken back to the salad days of the Sub Pop and Touch and Go greats, have structures comparable to bands like Helmet and Jawbox, and I see a very bright future for them.

For more information and mp3s, check out their website at:
www.prettypollyweb.com

Pretty Polly - Definitely not lacking substance...

Rating: 09/10 - Jeremy Eckhart 2005