Archer Stevens – Pretty Ugly (2024)
Prepared to make waves on the music scene, US-based group Archer Stevens not only drags you back to the 70s and 80s rock scene but does so with a slick of different genres. With only one release to their name, you might consider Archer Stevens to be a minnow in the massive sonic shark pool; however, the sophistication of their work offers maturity to the minnow darting about with a silvery glint not to be ignored. Joining the talents of Malichi Greenlee (vocals, piano and organ), Nick Lund (acoustic and electric guitar), Alfie North (electric bass), Jeremy Lujan (drums), Giani Ravi (congos), with backing vocals by Gigi Greenlee and Isa O, Archer Stevens leaps forward with their debut ‘Pretty Ugly’.
Recorded in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and even Peru, ‘Pretty Ugly’ weaves together the inspirational sounds of Elton John, The Beatles and Deep Purple. Light-hearted and bouncy with chilled-out pop joviality, ‘Pretty Ugly’ has you twirling about with a whimsical grin on your face. Yet, as much as kaleidoscopic sweetness lingers on your skin, heaviness breaks through as soaring rock-tinged guitars stand centre stage. A bold rush of Greenlee’s organ jumps in enhancing a folk-rock shimmer, but it doesn’t influence the whimsical twirling so much as giving it a 70s spin.
Produced with Malichi Greenlee, J. Ramada, Saul Ortega, and Jesse Zimmerman, ‘Pretty Ugly’ elegantly binds youthful innocence with mature sophistication. You can hear the skill of the producers and engineers; however, the lightness of the instruments with the warmth of Greenlee’s vocals brings a fairy-light sparkle and childlike joy.
Keeping true to their aim of original compositions with nostalgic charm, Archer Stevens immediately reminded me of the 60s and 70s folk-rock world. Placed alongside the likes of Janis Joplin and Carole King, ‘Pretty Ugly’ is a breath of yesteryear executed with an almost palpable sense of carefree-ness. A song to meet that need to fly… to soar… to escape from all the bad in the world, Archer Stevens ensnares your senses and lifts you to another sonic realm.
Entirely dazzled by the skill of Archer Stevens, I can honestly say this song will be on repeat for a while. My one concern is that the group have hit their peak with ‘Pretty Ugly’, but for now I highly recommend Archer Stevens.
Find out more about Archer Stevens on their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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