PRETTY VICIOUS | LIVE REVIEW
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Mon 9 Feb
Pretty Vicious are perhaps Wales’ most hyped new band of the moment, and have recently landed a major label deal with Virgin EMI off the back of a one-song online demo. This, coupled with the mainstream radio play of Cave Song – the track in question – the last date of their Welsh tour was sold out well in advance.
The vibe of the gig itself was a little mixed. The crowed was made up of family members, people who came to see what the hype was all about and a few young pop-punk kids staying up past their bedtimes. Not quite the anti-establishment atmosphere you want from a punk gig.
Supported by brace of pretty decent local acts – Newport quartet The Hearts, with whom Pretty Vicious have been touring, and The Cradles – the Merthyr teenagers came onto the stage with a confidence, or arrogance, which far exceeded their years. It’s even more extraordinary when you find out that they only have six songs or so. In a sense, though, it’s actually refreshing for a band to come on stage, play 20 minutes and then say (in so many words, at least) ‘that’s all we’ve got, now go home’. A far cry from the mind-numbing boy bands whose puppy-like excitement at pleasing you is soul-destroying.
As for Pretty Vicious’ music, they come off as a straightforward four-piece punk band. While Brad Griffiths’ harsh, age-belying vocals are one of the biggest cards they have, Tom McCarthy’s thrashy guitar work is another highlight, one which really gives the band a full and heavy sound. Give these guys a couple more years – for the kind of fee they’ve apparently been signed for, patience would surely be advised – and if they can write a few decent songs, which is easier said then done, Pretty Vicious have the potential to exceed their current hype. Hey, The Ramones did it while only knowing three chords.
words and photos JAYDON MARTIN
