REVIEW: Lights - Little Machines

**original post on my wordpress here**

After months of teasing, Lights has finally released her third full length. It's been three years since Siberia and a lot has happened to Lights, so this album is a whole leap forward.

It opens with three tracks already released online: the slower 'Portal', 'Running With the Boys' and 'Up We Go'. 'Running With the Boys' seems like the flip side of the coin 'Pretend' started in The Listening. It's much more upbeat than the 2009 release, and the lyrics take a more positive angle. 

As the album progresses, it's clear that it's lost the almost dub-step edge of Siberia, but by no means the electro pop Lights is known for. 'Muscle Memory' strongly echoes Lights's sound from The Listening with an almost haunting edge. In fact, Little Machines is musically much more like The Listening, but it remains clear that she has come a long way since then - the lyrics have taken on a new edge, accentuating the positive in songs such as 'Meteorites', blasting the chorus 'we are gonna see greater heights/ They'll put our names up in neon lights'. 

After marriage and the birth of her first child, Rocket, it's no wonder Lights is positive in Little Machines - she has a lot to be positive about. Closing track 'Don't Go Home Without Me' (for those without the deluxe version) seems like a perfect way to end the album. It's tempo is slower than previous songs, bringing the album full circle from 'Portal', and talks about the future. Dispelling loneliness even in her later years, this track peaks at the bridge really showing the diversity of Lights's voice as she flows seamlessly from belting into a gentle falsetto on the line 'and we'll go out in style'. This draws the album to a close beautifully.

Every track of Little Machines fits in with the overall sound of the album, like its predecessors, and although it sounds like The Listening it has the maturity of Siberia and then some. Lights's sound has evolved through each album, and the current product is a strong sound that still leaves room for her to spread her musical wings. Every track on the album is different, and every one fantastic. Whatever Lights does next, it'll be hard pushed to top Little Machines, but as we know a lot could happen in the next three years.

Catch Lights in the UK next January.  

REVIEW: The Pretty Reckless - Going To Hell

   Back with a bite: The Pretty Reckless drop their second full length, and what an album it is. New label, new tracks and music you can really sink your teeth into.

   Its been a while since Light Me Up, but The Pretty Reckless certainly have not been sitting around procrastinating for four years. The album with 'Follow Me Down', and sets the tone for the whole album. Momsen's vocals have retained their rawness which makes them so appealing - this sure isn't an autotuned, pop rock album. The main riff is certainly descended from the metal genre, complimented nicely by Momsen's voice, and this same vibe is continued into the album's title track. Accompanied by a ballsy bassline and lyrics that only belong in a metal song, this album will certainly have anyone hooked within the first two songs.

   Continuing the darker theme, in 'Heaven Knows' the band have included a children's choir. Yes, it does make you question what their teachers thought when they returned to school singing 'oh Lord, heaven knows we belong way down below', but that's an entirely different matter. The song is extremely catchy, and is definitely a good live song. To be honest, the entire album would be fantastic to see live. This sort of theme continues throughout, as the lyrics and music reach new places that show how the band are moving forwards and defining themselves within the rock/metal genre.

   Less instrument-heavy songs, such as 'Burn', show a different side to the band and really give Momsen's vocals chance to shine. Not only is her singing unique, but it's clear that it also excels within the context of 'normal' vocals. She clearly has a much wider range than previous TPR songs have let on, and it's a real treat to see the full extent of her talent throughout the album.

   Bottom line? If you want interesting, decent music with a real kick, and tempo changes in songs that for any other band would seem jarring but The Pretty Reckless work with ease, you should definitely invest in this album. The band have progressed majorly since Light Me Up and it really shows, and is certainly enough to keep any fan on their toes wanting more.