Taylor Momsen, a.k.a Jenny from the popular CW series Gossip Girl and her band, The Pretty Reckless, appeared before a small crowd of screaming teens and twenty-somethings this past Saturday night at the Hard Rock Caf in Niagara Falls, NY. Keeping in mind her ripe old age of seventeen, the willowy blonde strutted onto the stage donning quite the provocative outfit. However, most of the fans seemed to be young girls, minus a few pubescent boys who periodically yelled out, I love you, Taylor! Her dark and detached persona may be just another acting role, but I will say, the girl can sing. Many have compared her to a younger version of Courtney Love, but I would have to say thats entirely based on appearances. Yes, shes blonde, full of piss and vinegar, has china white skin and ruby lips, but the similarities stop there. Musically, I would compare her more to Fiona Apple, but with a way grittier edge.
Her band, made up Ben Philips on guitar, Mark Damon on bass and Jamie Perkins behind the drum kit, held down the hard driving rhythms throughout the night while Taylor captivated fans with the soft and sultry delivery of a seasoned performer. She clung to the mic stand for most of the performance with her darkened eyes barely open, sparingly offering a smile between seductive poses. Make Me Wanna Die was the biggest crowd pleaser followed by Factory Girl. There was little commentary between songs. She did, however, make a request at the end the set for everyone to put away their fuckin cell phone cameras and video recorders and have a goddamn good time!
I have never watched Gossip Girl, and I can honestly say that I probably never will, but I will definitely keep an eye on The Pretty Reckless. Their set, though short, was pretty damn impressive!
As fans eagerly await the past due, first full length release from The Pretty Reckless, entitled Light Me Up, select tunes and videos can be accessed on the bands website: www.theprettyreckless.com.
Set List:
Light Me Up
Since Youre Gone
Zombie
Miss Nothing
Just Tonight
Medicine
Make My Wanna Die
You
Factory Girl
Nothing Left
We would like to thank Hillary Siskind from Universal Music and the staff at the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show.
