Pretty Vicious
Pretty Vicious was a Welsh rock band formed in 2014 in Merthyr Tydfil by teenagers Brad Griffiths (vocals and guitar), Tom McCarthy (guitar), Jarvis Morgan (bass), and Elliot Jones (drums).[1][2] Known for their raw, punk-infused rock & roll that blended '90s guitar music with Britpop lyrics and a punk attitude—drawing comparisons to acts like Kasabian, Royal Blood, Oasis, and Arctic Monkeys—the band rose to prominence quickly and disbanded in October 2019 after the release of their debut album.[1] The group's breakthrough came with their debut single "Cave Song" in November 2014, which sparked a major-label bidding war and led to a £500,000+ deal with Virgin EMI Records in early 2015, making them one of the youngest UK bands to secure such a contract.[2] They followed with additional singles like "Are You Ready for Me" and "It’s Always There / Just Another Story", before parting ways with Virgin EMI in June 2017.[3][2] In April 2018, Pretty Vicious signed with Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group—the label behind Taylor Swift—as the first UK act on the roster, partnering with John Varvatos Records for distribution.[2] They released singles "Move" and "Are You Entertained?" under the new deal before dropping their debut full-length album, Beauty of Youth, on July 12, 2019, which showcased their high-energy anthems but was overshadowed by frontman Griffiths' health issues that halted promotion.[4][5] The band announced their split on October 23, 2019, citing an "emotional rollercoaster," fractured internal relationships, and the inability to fully support their album amid personal difficulties, with final performances scheduled in December of that year.[5] Griffiths had ceased performing in May 2019 due to health concerns, and the members later formed a new band in 2020 featuring fresh material and a different vocalist.[5]History
Formation and early career
Pretty Vicious formed in early 2014 in Merthyr Tydfil, a post-industrial town in the Welsh valleys known for its socioeconomic challenges, including high unemployment and limited opportunities for youth. The band was founded by teenagers Brad Griffiths on vocals and guitar, drummer Elliot Jones (aged 15), bassist Jarvis Morgan (aged 17), and guitarist Tom McCarthy (aged 17), all of whom were still attending Cyfarthfa High School at the time.[2][6] Their early songwriting drew directly from the local environment, capturing feelings of entrapment and rebellion against the town's pessimism; for instance, the track "Cave Song" reflects the sense of being stuck in a confined, decaying community, inspired by Merthyr Tydfil's history of industrial decline and social struggles.[6] The band's first release, "Cave Song," was uploaded to SoundCloud in November 2014, quickly gaining viral traction and drawing attention from music publications. This led to their debut single proper, "Are You Ready For Me," released in January 2015, which further amplified their buzz through online shares and features in outlets like NME, where it was highlighted as a raw punk anthem, and Paste Magazine, praising their energetic breakout.[7][8][9] Despite their youth, the track's gritty, youthful punk energy resonated, establishing Pretty Vicious as a fresh voice in British indie rock with a DIY ethos rooted in their hometown's DIY scene. By 2016, the band had embarked on early tours across the UK and Japan, performing for thousands of fans despite having only a handful of gigs under their belt; in Japan alone, they played to crowds of screaming supporters who knew their lyrics by heart, a testament to the international reach of their SoundCloud uploads. In 2017, they released the single "It Ain't No Fun," which captured their high-octane live sound and was licensed for the soundtrack of the video game DiRT 4, exposing them to a wider gaming audience.[9][6] In January 2015—often cited in early coverage as the pivotal moment—they signed a major record deal with Virgin EMI Records following a competitive bidding war, marking the end of their independent phase and setting the stage for broader exposure while still emphasizing their raw, unpolished punk roots.[2][6]Breakthrough and label signing
After parting ways with Virgin EMI in June 2017, Pretty Vicious signed with Big Machine/John Varvatos Records in April 2018, marking them as the first UK act on the Nashville-based label, which had previously rostered American rock outfits like The Struts and Steel Panther.[10][11] The deal represented a significant step up from their independent releases, building on the viral buzz generated by their 2015 single "National Plastics," which had garnered early international attention through online streams and festival appearances. This partnership provided the band with expanded resources for promotion and distribution, positioning them for a broader North American push. The label's first release with the band was the single "Move" on August 3, 2018, a high-energy track channeling their punk-infused rock sound that peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart, establishing their foothold in the U.S. market.[12][13] Followed by "Are You Entertained?" on October 26, 2018, the singles were accompanied by a music video for the latter, directed to highlight the band's raw stage presence, alongside announcements for a headline UK tour in early 2019.[14][15] Throughout 2018 and 2019, Pretty Vicious ramped up their live presence with extensive touring, including support slots at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2018, where they delivered sets blending their early indie anthems with new material.[16] They also headlined shows across the UK and made their U.S. debut with performances opening for labelmates The Struts, followed by additional North American dates that solidified their transatlantic profile.[17] In parallel, the band recorded their debut album Beauty of Youth with producer Dan Austin, known for his work with acts like You Me at Six and Twin Atlantic.[4] To build anticipation for the album, Pretty Vicious released the promotional single "These Four Walls" on January 25, 2019, featuring a video that captured their youthful rebellion theme and further teased the project's energetic vibe.[18][19]Debut album and disbandment
Pretty Vicious released their debut studio album, Beauty of Youth, on July 12, 2019, via Big Machine/John Varvatos Records.[4] The album featured 11 tracks, including the title song "Beauty of Youth" and "Stuck In A Dream," capturing the band's punk-infused rock sound with high-energy riffs and anthemic choruses.[20] Produced over three sessions in Wales by Dan Austin, it marked the culmination of years of label transitions and internal development.[21] Critics praised Beauty of Youth for its raw energy and uncompromised rock attitude, with reviewers highlighting its forceful rhythms, feedback-soaked anthems, and youthful exuberance reminiscent of early punk influences.[22][23] Publications like Clash described it as "lit with anthems" and drenched in rapturous riffs, while Rock At Night noted its simple, angry, testosterone-fueled drive.[22][23] However, the album's commercial performance was mixed, overshadowed by the band's mounting internal tensions and the timing of its release just months before their dissolution.[24] On October 23, 2019, Pretty Vicious announced their disbandment via social media, citing an unsustainable "emotional rollercoaster" over the previous five years and a need to evolve unencumbered by past baggage.[25][5] Frontman Brad Griffiths had already stepped away earlier that year due to ongoing personal health issues, leaving the group without its lead vocalist for live performances.[5] The remaining trio—drummer Elliot Jones, bassist Jarvis Morgan, and guitarist Tom McCarthy—stated they would re-emerge in 2020 under a new name with a different singer, having already prepared fresh material.[5][26] The band's final outings included a three-date UK tour in December 2019, serving as their last performances under the Pretty Vicious moniker.[26] These shows culminated in a farewell gig on January 17, 2020, at The Globe in Cardiff.[27] The planned 2020 re-emergence as a new project did not materialize, and as of 2025, the members have not publicly reunited or launched a successor band.Musical style and influences
Genre characteristics
Pretty Vicious's primary genres are punk rock and alternative rock, defined by fast tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and anthemic choruses that drive their high-energy sound.[22][4] Their music features swaggering, attitude-drenched melodies infused with grunge elements, creating a raw, reckless abandon reminiscent of 1970s punk.[28][4] Vocals deliver youthful arrogance and clamor, blending indie rock 'n' roll vigor with thunderous drums and airtight riffing that evoke a "big bad and nasty" intensity.[29][28] Early singles like "Cave Song" showcase gritty, lo-fi production that captures unpolished punk edge, while their debut album Beauty of Youth (2019) evolves to a more polished sound through professional recording, yet retains the core punk ferocity and white-knuckle rhythms.[22][4] The band's themes center on rebellion, hometown pride in their Welsh valleys roots, and escapism from youthful struggles, including freedoms, disappointments, and triumphs.[29][28] These elements are amplified in high-octane live performances, characterized by organic, high-energy delivery and hyper-paced tracks suited for sweaty, crowd-driven shows.[22][29] Critics have compared their style to British punk revival acts like the Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks, praising how Pretty Vicious injects teenage vigor and venom into indie-rock beyond their years.[22][29]Key influences
Pretty Vicious drew significant inspiration from the punk rock movement of the 1970s, particularly the Sex Pistols, whose rebellious attitude and provocative wordplay heavily influenced the band's ethos and naming. The group's name itself is a deliberate nod to the Sex Pistols' song "Pretty Vacant" combined with bassist Sid Vicious, reflecting an admiration for the band's anti-establishment energy and cultural impact.[29] Frontman Brad Griffiths has cited Iggy Pop and the Stooges as the band's biggest musical influence, emphasizing their raw punk energy and rock'n'roll intensity, which shaped Pretty Vicious's aggressive live performances and song structures. Additional punk inspirations include the Buzzcocks, whose fast-paced, melodic punk informed the band's high-energy tracks. The Clash's early sound also resonated, with critics noting similarities in the blend of punk urgency and social commentary evident in Pretty Vicious's music.[28][30] In terms of classic rock elements, the band incorporated riff-driven styles from acts like Oasis and Nirvana, drawing on their anthemic choruses and grunge-infused rebellion to craft songs about youthful disillusionment. Pearl Jam's dynamic showmanship further influenced their stage presence, prioritizing raw emotional delivery over polished production.[28] The local Welsh music scene played a pivotal role, with Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers serving as key touchstones for Pretty Vicious's pride in their Merthyr Tydfil roots and themes of socioeconomic struggle. Supporting the Manic Street Preachers at Cardiff Castle in 2015 and receiving endorsement from their bassist Nicky Wire underscored this connection, as the band echoed the Preachers' focus on working-class narratives and regional identity in tracks like "Cave Song."[31][2][29] Modern indie-punk bands such as Arctic Monkeys also impacted their lyrical approach, infusing themes of adolescent discontent and urban grit into their work. Overall, these influences contributed to a broader revival of 1970s British punk's defiant spirit, as articulated in band interviews where they highlighted blending punk's chaos with rock's swagger.[30][29]Band members
Core lineup
The core lineup of Pretty Vicious consisted of a four-piece configuration that defined the band's sound from their formation in 2014 until their disbandment in 2019. This stable group, hailing from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, blended raw rock energy with punk influences, relying on the members' youthful vigor and collaborative spirit to build their early momentum.[6][2] Brad Griffiths served as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist from 2014 to 2019, emerging as the band's primary songwriter and charismatic frontman. His raspy vocal delivery and commanding stage presence drove the band's high-energy performances, infusing tracks like "Cave Song" with an intense, euphoric edge that captured their DIY rock ethos.[32][2] Elliot Jones handled drums from 2014 to 2020, forming the backbone of the band's driving rhythm section as the youngest member at age 15 during formation. His energetic playing provided the propulsive force behind their live sets and recordings, contributing to the relentless pace that defined their alternative rock style.[2][6] Jarvis Morgan played bass guitar from 2014 to 2020, anchoring the low-end groove that underpinned the band's gritty soundscapes. He contributed to songwriting on several tracks, including lyric credits on singles like "Are You Ready for Me" and "Move," adding depth to their evolving catalog.[33][34] Tom McCarthy rounded out the lineup on lead guitar from 2014 to 2020, delivering snarling riffs and solos that amplified the band's raw intensity in both studio and live contexts. His contributions to tracks like "Cave Song" helped craft the euphoric, riff-driven hooks central to their appeal.[32][6] Collectively, the members were deeply involved in the band's early DIY efforts, including the production and creation of videos for their YouTube uploads, which helped propel initial tracks like "Cave Song" to viral attention before their major label signing. This hands-on approach fostered a tight-knit dynamic that sustained their career through extensive touring.[35][6]Changes and departures
In May 2019, frontman Brad Griffiths ceased performing live with Pretty Vicious due to ongoing personal health issues, with the departure formally announced following the band's completion of their debut album Beauty of Youth, released on July 12, 2019.[5][13] Griffiths had contributed vocals and guitar to the album prior to stepping away.[2] The remaining trio—drummer Elliot Jones, bassist Jarvis Morgan, and guitarist Tom McCarthy—continued as Pretty Vicious without recruiting a permanent vocalist replacement, using guest vocals from Joe of the band Himalayas for performances including a show in London and their final gig.[5][36] This shift altered the band's dynamic from one centered on a lead frontman to a setup relying on external support, though it ultimately proved unsustainable.[37] The trio's final performance under the Pretty Vicious name occurred on January 17, 2020, at The Globe in Cardiff, featuring guest vocals from Joe of the band Himalayas to support the set.[38] This show marked the effective end of the group's activities, as the lineup changes and health-related challenges led to full disbandment. No further official lineup alterations have been announced since 2020, and as of 2025, Jones, Morgan, and McCarthy have not publicly revealed any new collaborative projects together.[5]Discography
Studio albums
Pretty Vicious released their sole studio album, Beauty of Youth, on July 12, 2019, through Big Machine/John Varvatos Records.[4] The 12-track record marked the band's debut full-length effort, following earlier EPs and singles, and was produced by Dan Austin, known for his work with acts like You Me At Six and Twin Atlantic.[4] Recorded with label support, the album represented a refined evolution from the band's rawer early punk sound, incorporating polished production that emphasized anthemic rock structures, driving riffs, and energetic hooks while retaining elements of their garage rock roots.[22] The track listing for Beauty of Youth is as follows:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "These Four Walls" | 3:47 |
| 2 | "Move" | 3:07 |
| 3 | "Something Worthwhile" | 3:59 |
| 4 | "Someone Just Like You" | 3:30 |
| 5 | "No One Understands" | 3:46 |
| 6 | "Force of Nature" | 3:26 |
| 7 | "Lost in Lust" | 3:44 |
| 8 | "Are You Entertained?" | 3:30 |
| 9 | "Stuck in a Dream" | 3:56 |
| 10 | "Something I Can Never Have" | 4:07 |
| 11 | "6 Feet Under" | 3:50 |
| 12 | "In My City" | 3:28 |