Gritty, alternative anthems to remember

The Pretenders are a British-American rock force, established through multiple renowned projects throughout the years. The band was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2005, but their fate always seemed to gravitate towards greatness, with The Pretenders’ musical prowess dating back to the ‘80s, when they released their debut studio album Pretenders. After over 40 years of sticking together through whatever tribulations may have perspired, yet another new project has surfaced – Relentless.

Relentless presents everything a masterful, educated alternative rock record should bring to the table. Downtempo yet electrified anthems glorify this project in an almost larger than life way. Tracks are flashy yet refined, emotive and defined all at the same time. The musical arrangement on Relentless is quite minimalistic, featuring vocals, guitars, bass, drums and calculated bouts of piano. Lead singer Chrissie Hynde effortlessly flows from track to track, with a certain pulse that draws the listener out then ebbs back into a bountiful mix of rock instrumentals.

“Domestic Silence” is certainly a piece to remember. This song is electrifying and melancholy at the same time, a platter of emotions that are vastly real in a human’s varying state. Hynde sings her soul out on “Domestic Silence,” only to give way to an expressive, blistering guitar solo that pierces and caresses the listener’s ear all at the same time.

“Let the Sun Come In” is uplifting and spiritual to the native soul of American and British rock. Lyrics are fired off in a cinematic manner with a certain sense of liberation. This track gives off the feeling of fearlessly driving off into the sunset, with a rush of endorphins and a love for life.

Overall, Relentless is an extremely solid project worth checking out. This album will get listeners ready for the day, or have their back in a moment of solitude. There’s a song for every situation on Relentless, all in all alluding to a wholesome, satisfying listening experience. In over four decades of touring, making music and collaborating as a group, The Pretenders have really outdone themselves once again.