With a voice that reminds me of a softer version of The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan, the banjo-wielding pop-rock band Pretty Bitter approach their second album ‘Pleaser’ by embracing their DIY attitude. Whilst they are unabashedly pop-rock, their roots lie in taking emo rock song structures and swapping them out for folk, synthpop, or more acoustic-driven pop-rock instrumentation. The result is something that sounds approachable, yet deeply layered. The band calls their sound “dreampunk”, and it makes sense because of how lush yet streamlined everything sounds. I’ll make a case for a new genre – “dreamo”.
Pretty Bitter’s style is personified perfectly with their new single ‘Thrill Eater’. The banjo plays out like an electric guitar under shimmering acoustic guitars and driving drums. Think Japanese Breakfast, The Cranberries, and 10,000 Maniacs, and you’ll be in the right ballpark. Mel Bleker’s vocals have an Irish twang to them, as she delivers an emo flatness that cuts through with emotion and directness. This is the perfect spring-into-summer pop-rock anthem.
For more information on Pretty Bitter, including pre-order links for ‘Pleaser’, choose your platform to follow the band on with Linktree.
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