Pretty Bitter is a 5-piece band originating in 2017 and hailing from Washington, D.C. It was formed by Mel Bleker (lead vocals) and Miri Tyler (bass/vocals). Their second full-length titled Pleaser was released on July 25th of this year on Tiny Engines. And what a throwback feel this album gives!
If this band and album came out in the early to mid-'90s, it would’ve been huge. I personally love this resurgence of '90s alternative that has been happening in the scene lately. Maybe it’s nostalgic for me since I grew up playing guitar and discovering music during that era despite despising radio music. It makes me think of simpler times when I didn’t have bills and only had to worry about if my friends wanted to hang out this weekend.
You can unashamedly hear the influences from that era in this band and on this album. Most notably, influences would have to be The Cranberries and 10,000 Maniacs. Lead singer Mel Bleker’s vocals are dynamic, smooth, captivating and simply fantastic. The vocal harmonies that complement the lead vocals are just icing on the cake. I could listen to an acapella version of this album with these vocals and be serenaded.
The 10-track album is very well produced and sounds superb. The songs are very well structured with layered instruments and keys that make make this album an audio escape from reality -- one that is needed from the current climate we live in. The lyrics are thought-provoking and emotional, ranging from topics about trauma, eating disorders, depression, LGBTQ+ identity, and family. This band is not afraid to take on social and political issues lyrically, but also with charity events and I love that.
If you love '90s alternative/pop-rock with hints emo and synth pop, this is exactly what you’re looking for. If you need some place to start on this album, my personal top 3 tracks are "Tommy Deluxe Goes Hollywood," "Thrill Eater," and "Outer Heaven Dude Ranch," but this is one of those albums you can listen to from start to finish.
