The Pretty Reckless “Going to Hell” Tour with special guest, Heaven’s Basement, and Louna.

 

Chicago, IL House of Blues was the place to be on Sunday. The Pretty Reckless are touring on their upcoming album, Going to Hell and hearing the singles released from the album, this going to launch The Pretty Reckless to new heights in 2014.

Louna is a band out of Russia and has created a lot of buzz with their Social and Religious lyrics criticizing the government. Although having arrived late, I was able to catch a few songs and really enjoyed what I heard and hope they come back to the USA.

What seemed to be opening bands from overseas, up next was Heaven’s Basement. Heaven’s Basement has been creating a stir in the music industry with their electrifying live shows. Fans got to see them at Carolina Rebellion and Rock on the Range this year - a combination of punk/rock with an old school feel. They opened with Welcome Home and by the time they played their hit single, Fire,Fire the crowd was jumping along with them. These guys are non-stop in-your-face energy. Playing one of my favorite songs, Nothing Left to Lose, which features singer, Aaron Buchanan and guitarist, Sid Glover, there was great interaction between the two voices. They ended the set with Executioner’s Day as Singer, Buchanan hand-walked through the crowd, which were going crazy.

With two great opening bands, it raised the bar, which The Pretty Reckless jumped over with ease, with one of the most talked about singers in rock, Taylor Momsen, who was once known for her acting skills and turned them into a powerhouse singer. Combining the looks and vocals of Maria Brink of In This Moment and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, thrown into a blender - out comes Monson.

Momsen is not a shy girl at all on-stage with her prowls, grinds, and she breathes sexuality unlike any singer out there. Do not let her looks get in the way of her powerful voice and colorful lyrics. Opening with Follow Me Down, you could feel the impact this band has live as the chorus kicks in. This was followed by Since You’re Gone, with its slinky bass and lyrics and Miss Nothing.

Guitarist, Ben Phillips joined Monson on Sweet Things. Momsen voice on this reminds me of Grace Slick’s singing, Black Widow. The duet continued with Cold Blooded. I have to say, Phillips is a dynamic guitar player; playing with as much emotions as you can pour out into a guitar. The pounding bass of Mark Damon and kick bass of drummer, Jamie Perkins drove home on Make Me Wanna Die and the new single, Going To Hell to end their set.

They came out for an encore where Momsen exposed her vocals on a cover of Like A Stone by Audioslave and Just Tonight; vocals were spot-on and the crowd was singing along with outstretched arms. The night ended with F**Ked Up World as Momsen danced and twirled around the stage, leaving the crowd wanting even more.

While many fans come to see Momsen they will go away seeing a band that kicks ass. Would love to see The Pretty Reckless on next year’s festival circuit as 2014 will be a year we will all want to be Going to Hell.

Photos & Review by Peter Lizano

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