Be Your Own Pet Returns: Explosive Comeback with Explicit Realities of Adulthood
After almost 15 years away, the Nashville band Be Your Own Pet has made an explosive comeback, delivering a tighter and more explicit sound while addressing the harsh realities of adulthood. The group, which split in 2008, has reunited with a vengeance, channeling their frustrations and experiences into their music.
Jemina Pearl, the lead vocalist, kicks off the band’s return with a warning in their latest song, When you can’t sleep, I’ll be the reason! Her fierce yell sets the tone, followed by guitarist Jonas Stein’s adrenaline-fueled solo. Hand Grenade, reminiscent of the band’s earlier frenzied garage rock hits that propelled them to indie fame in 2006, hints at the internal struggles that eventually led to their implosion two years later. Endless touring, industry-based misogyny, and artistic restrictions placed upon them by major label bosses took a toll.
As teenagers, Be Your Own Pet used to write witty and furious songs about growing up and contending with society’s expectations. In many ways, not much has changed. Their new anti-party anthem, Goodtime!, explores the challenges of aging, albeit from a slightly different perspective. The lyrics reflect the band’s astonishment at the responsibilities that come with adulthood, with Pearl exclaiming, I’ve got two kids and a mortgage? What the fuck? However, their third album, Mommy, takes a darker turn. The violence portrayed in their songs feels intensely pointed, shedding light on the pent-up anger and frustration they’ve faced.
Following a decade-long hiatus, Be Your Own Pet has transformed into a highly accomplished band, demonstrating explicit lyrics, tighter compositions, and even more inventive melodies. Rubberist, a stomping and eerie new-wave track, showcases their evolution, significantly differing from their high-energy sound in the 2000s. But it is the stadium rock anthem, Pleasure Seeker, that truly stands out. With a perfect blend of euphoria, cynicism, and Aerosmith-style swagger, the song welcomes the band back as heroes, made possible only by their newfound power of hindsight.
Be Your Own Pet’s return to the music scene is a force to be reckoned with. Their evolution over the years has forged a path towards a bolder, more mature sound. While their earlier albums had a certain fictional charm, their latest work digs deeper into the harsh realities of life. It is refreshing to witness a band rediscovering their musical prowess after such a long hiatus. Be Your Own Pet’s reunion is a testament to their resilience and determination to make their voices heard once again.
