It is no secret who this week's Femme Fatale is, or should I say fatales? The Pierces lay claim like kings to the title this Friday. Enough with my song related puns? Okay, I'll stop. You may recognize the sister duo as the voices behind “Secret,” the creepily intoxicating theme song from Pretty Little Liars.
If not, maybe you are familiar with some of their work from the past 15 years. Allison and and Catherine Pierce released their first album The Pierces in 2000. Since their debut album at the turn of the century, The Pierces have released four more albums in the years to follow, with their newest album Creation released in September 2014.
Personally, my favorite album has to be Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge, which was released in 2007. On this album, you will find the infectiously dark “Secret,” but, besides that, you will come across tracks blended with folk, pop, and downright funk, including “Kill! Kill! Kill!,” “Sticks and Stones,” and “Lights On.”
Having always had a life enriched immensely by music, The sisters received their first record deal when they were 18 and 20. With a career lasting over a decade, you are able to listen to the evolution and maturation of their vocals, style, and music.
The Pierces, in my opinion, have an authentic, genuine sound, and I love an artist who does not manipulate their music, style, or self-respect in order to find larger royalties. They are a duo with a mindset for amazing music, not the number of zeros on a check.
Their latest album seems to have been a cathartic project for them, and the sisters seemed to have found a new level within their music, careers, and lives that reflect the emotionally charged lyrics that comprise Creation. Finding solid ground to stand on, The Pierces have honed their abilities and have entered a stage in their career in which they are confident in what they want to produce, who they are, and what their music stands for.
What I like about their style is its fluidity. Each song can transport you to a different era, sound, or feeling. Throughout their entire body of work, you will be enchanted by melodies that harken back to the beguling era of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Their darkly alluring songs have enticed me ever since I have stumbled across them, and I am certainly glad that “Secret” has received attention through Pretty Little Liars. A macabre and stunningly gloomy song as that should gain the recognition it deserves.
You feel unworthy of the throne
You have forgotten who you are
We all have the blood of angels
And we fell from the same star
My favorite track from their latest album has to be “Kings,” which is linked below! Possessing striking beauty and tribal roots, The Pierces have crafted a song and video that trumps my love for their 2007 album Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge. With no doubt in my mind, The Pierces easily take this week's nomination of Femme Fatales. After all, they taught me that we could do what kings do.
Brian is an English and Professional Writing major at East Stroudsburg University. In his spare time, he likes to buy 5 books for every 1 book he has time to read. His favorite novels include And Then There Were None, Savages, Better, The Martian Chronicles, and The Kings of Cool. Brian hopes to pursue a job in editing upon graduation.