THE PRETTY RECKLESS - AUGUSTA, GA (5-20-2014)

[RJhog (Admin)]

The Pretty Reckless is a band that was brought to my attention by resident Bottom Feeder Jon Stephenson.  He likes a lot of weird stuff, but luckily he got this one right.  I met up with my homeboys Mike Mills and Ryan Doss in downtown Augusta a couple of hours before the show.  We had some burgers and fries across the street from the venue at a place called Farmhaus Burgers.  The meal was good, but we were all there for the music.

So we headed across the street at 8pm, an hour before showtime.  I have been to this particular venue, just last year as a matter of fact, so I was familiar with the setup.  It was a bar named Sky City.  I remember from the previous show I attended (Mother's Finest) that if you get there early, it's pretty easy to get a spot up front.  However, I couldn't understand a word of the lyrics at that show, so I felt like maybe we should catch this show from further back.  The problem with that is unless you are tall, it's not easy to see.  Live and learn.  Luckily, there was a bench back there that I could stand on, which got me a good bit above everybody.  Next time I'll go early and try to get back up front.

The opening band was English.  Their name is Heaven's Basement.  They seem to be a cross of punk and classic rock.  That's my best description.  And for an opener at a small show, I was very pleased with the product.  The vocalist is good as is the band.  I'm still trying to decide whether or not to pick up their album.  

The main event was The Pretty Reckless.  They took the stage and played....a very short show.  I think it was eleven songs.  I'll post what I think the setlist was below.  I don't know all of their songs, but this setlist seems accurate.  Although the show was short, it was pretty intense musically.  The band sounded great.  There isn't a ton of room on the stage, and the only person that moved more than 3 inches was Taylor Momsen.  And that movement had no teeth to it.  It seemed to me like she may be tired.  Heaven's Basement seemed to have a much more energetic show.  The audience seemed to approve though, and undoubtedly was loud enough to score an encore.  And just like that, the show was over.  

One thing that I noticed (and thought was really cool) is that Heaven's Basement came out to the front half of the bar (the stage is in the back half) after their set and basically did a free meet and greet.  They were also out there still doing the same as we left the venue.  

I was able to get one of the promo posters for The Pretty Reckless and we were given a three song sampler of the Heaven's Basement CD.  One of the songs on the sample is really cool, so maybe I will give 'em some support and pick up the full CD.

Up next at the same bar is Black Stone Cherry and Kyng.  We should be at that show as well.  I'm gonna try to get a bit closer and see if I can get some better photographs.  The ones I've included here are really the best of the bunch for this show, but I am now on a mission to try and improve my ability to photograph concerts.  As you can see, I'm no professional, but maybe one day I'll get a truly killer shot.  Here is the setlist for The Pretty Reckless:

1. Follow Me Down

2. Since You're Gone

3. Miss Nothing

4. Zombie

5. Sweet Things

6. Cold Blooded

7. Heaven Knows

8. My Medicine

9. Make Me Wanna Die

10. Going To Hell

Encore:

11. Fucked Up World

[Scott]

Nice read boss!

[RJhog (Admin)]

Thanks Scott.

[Jon]

Sucks being height-challenged, doesn't it?

[Mike Mills]

Jeff's review is pretty accurate. The Pretty Reckless was great, as I had expected that would be. I had seen seen comments stating they weren't very good live, but I must adamantly disagree! As Jeff eluded to, the most refreshing think about the show was Heaven's Basement. I went in really not having any expectation of them. My son is a fan & he reminded me that I had a heard a couple of their songs on the radio. Fire Fire, was the one I remembered & recognized.
I remember liking it ok & he told me about the other one Nothing Else To Lose. So, I dropped him off at baseball practice, looked it up on you tube. I set my phone on the dashboard & played it as I was heading to the show. I did remember hearing it & thinking it's pretty good!
Although, it was definitely rock, you could hear the punk influence the vocals. On stage he delivered just that, at times he reminded me of a young Johnny Rotten. A great stage presence & a lot of energy! The guitar player provided backing vocals & their harmonies sounded great! The guitarist was also very good, his playing grabbed your attention, his riffs & solos were very clean with not a lot of distortion. Afterwards, when I went to get an autographed poster for my son, I couldn't help notice how young they looked. They looked like kids, but their product was top notch! I listened to their 3 song sampler on the way home. I can officially, say I'm a fan! I wish those guys much success!!!! I went to bed with ringing in my ears, but woke up feeling great!!!! Definitely, looking forward to the next show!!!