The multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer Lynn Gunn, head and creative brain to the borderless band, PVRIS, released their new single, ‘Monster’, and is it a sound to behold.
As one of the first stand-alone singles since their third album, Use Me, released last year, it only foreshadows the lengths Gunn will go to in order to push her creative boundaries, as well as our expectations.
Since PVRIS’ album, White Noise (2016), there has been a steady decrescendo. or rather redirecting, from White Noise's high octane, head-banging sonic scape to a heavier pop lean.
Since then, Gunn has graced her listeners with two unforgettable albums.
All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell (2017),—a gentle mix of pop, alternative, rock, and indie sounds, best personified as a speeding-night-bus-ride through life, relationship, longing, and pain –
and Use Me (2020)—a mosh pit of genres, reaching from synth and emo-pop to indie and RnB, and reaching back to spacey, alt-rock sounds from her second studio album—which exudes an attitude of confidence and honesty knowing that you’re in the storm's eye.
With several stellar projects in the rearview, the release of ‘Monster’ brings with it both nostalgia and skyrocketing thrill for the next project, as it sees the return of Gunn’s addictive, gritty, and aggressive tone prevalent in White Noise, overlaying a chorus pumped with growling bass, synth, and a rapid-fire snare that, if released a year prior, may have found a place in Use Me.
PVRIS has always excelled at releasing an unexpected shift in their chorus’. It is one joy of the listening experience because, especially with AWKOH, AWNOH and Use Me, you never know where Gunn will take a song.
‘Monster’ is no exception. The first time I heard the chorus, I stopped what I was doing at the moment, eyes wide, momentarily unable to comprehend the shocking turn in the single. I loved every second of this clean, gritty fury.
It’s a head-banging joyride with unforgettable sonic jolts, and it’s spurred on a PVRIS album binge since its release.
Gunn’s skill and wild exploration of sounds are undeniable. ‘Monster’ is a welcome reminder that PVRIS is in its prime, itching to break out and once again carve a fresh space into the music scene.
'Monster' is available to listen to on all platforms.
