The Struts’ new album Pretty Vicious (Big Machine Records/John Varvatos Records) starts with the strutting, tongue-in-cheek tale of hedonism “Too Good at Raising Hell” – done in their signature mix of The Darkness, Queen and the Rolling Stones. 

This rollicking rocker is the perfect introduction to their joyful take on Classic Rock and whets the appetite for their fourth album – which offers up their established sound married to slick production and craftsmanship. 

There is the right mix of campy rockers and radio-friendly singles, with the latter helping to keep their ever-burgeoning American audience on board – the rousing anthem “I Won’t Run” is one such example and is made for FM radio. The glossy title track, about a beguiling female, is another – a polished pop song with a slow-burning charm. 

They even throw in a few ballads for good measure (“Hands On Me” and “Bad Decisions”), which are well put together but overwrought and glistening with cheese. They are not afraid of laying it thick from time to time. 

These are balanced out by jolly numbers like the rolling bass and infectious cheer of “Rockstar” and stomping beat and bouncy guitar of “Remember The Name.” Pretty Vicious is a balanced record with a good ebb and flow to it. 

Shiny pop like “Better Love” with its stupidly catchy hooks and blasts of sax sits side by side with the earthier, Southern Rock tones of “Gimme Some Blood.” The Derbyshire quartet end the LP with the grand sweeping ballad “Somebody Someday,” a touching moment about hopes and dreams with an Elton John hue to it. 

Four albums and over ten years in, English glam rockers The Struts have fully hit their stride; Pretty Vicious is a rounded and lovingly crafted record that oozes confidence. 

Rock ‘n Roll’s in fine fettle, indeed. 

Buy it here: 

https://thestruts.lnk.to/PrettyVicious_UKPR

8 / 10

THOMAS THROWER