New York, NY · hard rock · alternative rock

The Pretty Reckless

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Taylor Momsen's grunge-blooded hard rock — smoky, heavy, chart-topping, with more rock-radio #1s than most legacy acts.

The Pretty Reckless formed in New York City in 2009, first performing as the Reckless before a trademark dispute forced a name change. Taylor Momsen, already known for acting roles in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Gossip Girl, worked through several producers before settling with Kato Khandwala, who introduced her to guitarist Ben Phillips.

The band draws on 1990s grunge and older hard rock, with heavy riffing, blues-derived song structures and Momsen's low, smoky vocal delivery at the centre. Phillips co-writes much of the material with her, shaping the guitar-heavy arrangements underneath.

Their 2010 debut, Light Me Up, included 'Make Me Wanna Die,' which appeared on the soundtrack to the film Kick-Ass. Going to Hell (2014) produced two rock-chart number ones, 'Heaven Knows' and 'Messed Up World (F'd Up World).' Who You Selling For (2016) added a fourth, 'Take Me Down.'

Death by Rock and Roll (2021) made the Pretty Reckless the first female-fronted band to place seven singles at the top of the Mainstream Rock chart, with its title track reaching number one. A fifth album, Dear God, followed later. Bassist Mark Damon and drummer Jamie Perkins round out the lineup alongside Momsen and Phillips.

The band has become one of the most consistent presences on American rock radio, placing a string of songs atop the mainstream and active rock charts across five albums. That run has coincided with a darker, more introspective turn in the writing, shaped partly by losses within the band's circle, including producer Kato Khandwala.

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hard rockalternative rock