It’s not often you see outlets like SPIN declaring a San Diego band’s “timeless pop rock is destined for stadium success.” But in June, that’s exactly what the nearly four decade-old publication had to say about Pleasure Pill. If you haven’t heard of Pleasure Pill, you’re forgiven. The band still hasn’t reached stadiums, but they have been around longer than it would seem.
Pleasure Pill rose from the pandemic ashes of the more off-the-wall JINX!, which released dozens of songs starting in 2016. That name may also ring a bell because of the band’s prolific postering work over the years. Though some of the delightful eccentricity of JINX! has been stripped away with the reinvention, Pleasure Pill’s decidedly retro sound is indeed infectious.
“Favorite Color Gold,” sounds like a riff on Jane’s Addiction’s rollicking 90’s rock, while “Get There Soon,” feels like it takes a page from Brian Jonestown Massacre’s mixture of 60s revivalist and Britpop. Throughout it all, though, Pleasure Pill smashes you with an unwavering wall of fuzz.
Pleasure Pill, “I’d Rather Be”: Pleasure Pill’s latest single, “I’d Rather Be,” is about as straightforward as it comes. It’s a fuzzy, love-drunk garage track dripping with nostalgia. Jonah Paz’s bratty croon is framed by a bouncy bassline and some classic guitar riffage. It’s the kind of track that could find an audience anytime over the last 30 years. But calling it straightforward is no knock. You don’t need a gimmick if you can just write a catchy and kickass tune.
Like what you hear? Check out Pleasure Pill at Casbah on Saturday, May 25.
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