Review Summary: Hoping to fill in the gap between their first and second LP, The Pretty Reckless come out with this little nugget of radio ready pop - rock.
The Pretty Reckless have never been a band to radiate authenticity and artistry, and it seems that they themselves have realized this. Hit Me Like A Man, although close in style to their debut Light Me Up, seems to focus more on the band as a whole, rather then just showcasing Taylor Momsen. Unlike the songs on Light Me Up, the three original songs on Hit Me Like A Man feature several long guitar solos and in the case of Cold Blooded even a vocal appearance from another band member as they duet on what is undoubtedly the EP's highlight. It seems that they are eager to dispel their image as the Taylor Momsen back up band, and instead paint themselves to be a proper rock band.
As a whole, Hit Me Like A Man does seems to be a step in the right direction if that is what they're trying to achieve. The live tracks are noticably more embellished than the original studio tracks with a few guitar solos here and there, something which was unheard of on their debut. Momsen proves herself to be a brilliant live vocalist with her live vocals sounding just as good, if not better, as they do on the record.
The original songs are a pleasant enough listen, even if in places they are a tad predictable and don't vary too much from the sound they established on Light Me Up. Title track Hit Me Like A Man is oddly underwhelming, particularly when it dips into an out of place sounding bridge, although overall it is quite catchy. Under The Water is a ballad type song which is obviously their attempt at a deep, meaningful song. Not bad, not brilliant. Quite forgettable. Cold Blooded has an almost bluesy, rock and roll feel to it which serves the song well.
Overall, it is quite an enjoyable listen if you are a fan of The Pretty Reckless and similar bands, and it will no doubt please their existing fans, but I doubt that Hit Me Like A Man is going to change the minds of anybody who wrote them off from the moment they first appeared.
