It’s refreshing to see a SoCal band lean less on surf rock and ska, which have become synonymous with the scene. Pleasure Pill is here to redefine San Diego one song at a time. New single “Not Giving Up” is a jangly anthem for the ages, beseeching and moody with an optimistic undercurrent.
The five-piece wear influences on their sleeve, keeping rhythm in the pocket. Despite looking like The Strokes and sounding like The Stone Roses, they exude a swagger all their own. The song carries a contemporary pop sensibility - giving Madchester a twenty-first century facelift. It avoids imitation, instead offering a tasteful update.
Under the auspices of sought-after producer Jonathan Rado, Pleasure Pill finally achieve the slicked-up sound they deserve. Their great songs now feel greater, properly backing a penchant for stadium-sized choruses. It took plenty of releases and rehearsal to get to what feels like a proper debut.
I’ve loved these guys since before they were called Pleasure Pill (and I’ve got the t-shirt to prove it), but I'm hoping the rest of the world catches on soon. Maybe guitar music will make a proper cultural comeback? The Barbie movie namedrops Lou Reed and Stephen Malkmus, so I guess anything can happen.