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Superette - Single Review: Pretty Picture

16 Nov 2018 // A review by darryl baser

It’s been a long time between drinks for fans of Superette and Dave Mulcahy’s exceptional songwriting.

However, a thirst quencher is being poured in the form of the release of the song Pretty Picture.

Pretty Picture comes from a reissue of Superette’s phenomenal Tiger LP which was released in November 2018 on Flying Nun.

Pretty Picture was previously an unreleased demo track from the Tiger sessions. It’s such a strong song, I can’t think why it wasn't included on the original album. 

In the days since being sent this song I re-listened to the rest of the LP as it was, and this song, in my opinion, is way stronger than at least two of the songs which made the cut. The song is easily as strong as the singles which lit up the student radio network at the time. Unless the B-net's programme directors are all cloth-eared retro 80's or trap loving millennials Pretty Picture should re launch the band and take up residency on their playlists.

Fans of Mulcahy’s writing and the original Tiger LP will be totally stoked to learn the reissue will feature more as yet unreleased tracks.

As for Pretty Picture, it’s easy to hear that it clearly belongs to the Tiger sessions, from the song’s structure to the production values. It is very guitar driven, with a palm-muted guitar intro that drives the song up to the pre-chorus, when the palm is released and the over driven guitar cadences well. The multi-tracked vocals also add to the signature sound of the Tiger sessions.

I still can’t understand why Pretty Picture was left off the original recording, but it definitely makes the reissue worth purchasing.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Superette

Superette formed in 1993 with David Mulcahy leaving the JPS Experience for a new pursuit. Together with drummer Greta Anderson and bass guitarist Ben Howe Superette was born.

Ben and Greta have also performed under the guise of Ben & Greta.


Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Superette

Releases

Tiger (Reissue)
Year: 2018
Type: Album
Tiger
Year: 2005
Type: Album
Rosepig
Year: 1995
Type: EP

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