Pretty Rascals - Do You Ever

Stream Do You Ever here (Soundcloud)

There's something brilliantly organic and old school about upcoming super-group-to-be Pretty Rascals. It's how bands used to become famous before getting a YouTube following or appearing on a TV talent show became the norm - a burgeoning local grassroots support network that seems to expand with each live show, with each critically acclaimed review from respected sources. The band themselves are intent on honing their craft through these live experiences and developing their future catalogue of hits through genuine audience response. Their big-hit-in-waiting Do You Ever is a massive step in the right direction. The song has been through quite the evolution over the past couple of years because the guys know they have something special here and want it to be as good as it possibly can be. It's interesting that there is this process of change attached to the song because it's a song about change, about someone you care for changing seemingly overnight in front of your eyes. Despite it's energetic, upbeat accompanying instrumental (that guitar riff and the prominent drums are the glorious propulsive force driving the narrative forward), there's a melancholy and pathos within the lyrics that lead singer Steve Malik ably brings out with a nuanced, impassioned vocal that demonstrates a real understanding of the story he tells. It makes it all tangible and real - giving the listener more of an emotional impact than any forced reality show ever could. They are not afraid to blend their indie-band stylings with pop influences as that chorus is pure 60s pop nostalgia yet feels as contemporary as anything you will hear on the radio today. I guess strong lyrics and a soaring melody never go out of style. This is real life kids - it's sometimes harsh and unfair and worrying but when it's presented in such an effusive, blindingly catchy way as the Pretty Rascals have on Do You Ever it gives you the hope and determination to carry on. Big things are just around the corner for these guys - get on board NOW.