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REVIEW gig Pretty Vicious Live at the Deaf Institue

Pretty Vicious - no rock n roll swindle here?

Published by Lawrence Taylor

I don't know what it is, but seeing Jamie Reid's ideas re imagined to suit another band doesn't do it for me. And couple that with the Band s name.... well you would think 'tribute' . Then the press liken them to Oasis/libertines. Talk about mixed signals.

So when I spotted the backdrop featuring a take on the God Save the Queen Pistols image, featuring Simon Cowell, well you can imagine my thoughts. However that was all about to change.

The boys walked on stage and the Deaf Institute's teenage audience suddenly burst into action. One young lad actually said to me, "I hope I'm coming to gigs like you are when I get old". Thanks for that!

Pretty Vicious are Brad Griffiths, (lead vocals, guitar) Tom McCarthy (guitar) Jarvis Morgan (bass) and Elliot Jones (drums). They formed 2014 in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. They all look so young, that's because they are. 17 year olds that have that confidence that shines out on stage.

Brad's vocals are that of a much older experienced singer, The Elliot the drummer plays with an energy that is rarely seen these days, whilst Tom and Jarvis play with a seasoned guitarists confidence and swagger.

And to be honest I'm super impressed with the foursome. Right from the first song I'm back in my youth (yeah thanks mate!) .

These guys look like they have been doing it for years with outstanding rock tunes that are seriously addictive
'Cave song', 'National Plastic' and 'Its Always There' are crowd faves, but 'I wanna be your Dog' had some of the best raw vocals I have heard from such a young performer. Quite amazing.

In fact they reminded me of the rawness of 'Mr Writer' by the Stereophonics. Amazing stuff. Just be careful you don't do an Oasis (I am the walrus) that got tedious in later years.

So despite my initial thoughts, I would like to champion one of the best young bands I have had the pleasure to see this year. Brilliant stuff with a fantastic future. Lets hope I'm still around to see them play an arena!

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