The Pleasures

By Diyya Ganju

Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey as Pleasures unveils their highly anticipated debut
album, "The Beginning of the End." This musical odyssey transcends genres, pushing the limits
of boundaries and imagination. With an ethereal blend of funky beats, haunting melodies, and
thought-provoking lyrics, Pleasures invites listeners into a realm where the lines between
country, folk, and pop all blur. Pleasures' musical prowess is on full display, with each
instrument and electronic element meticulously curated to evoke emotion and provoke
thought. The production values showcase a commitment to sonic innovation, pushing the
boundaries of what is expected in contemporary music.

The Pleasures describes themselves as “raucous, dirty, and blues-inspired”, a group that
combines elements of country with folk to create their unique sound. Listeners would never
guess this band just formed in 2022. Their Eddie’s Attic show on the 29th is the last stop on
their tour of the Southeast US. The intimacy of the Eddie’s Attic listening room is sure to
enhance The Pleasures’ performance. The 10 track, 37 minute album, is the perfect sweet spot
for listeners to enjoy in one sitting. As a fan of traditional country music, I enjoyed The
Pleasures’ unique interpretation of the genre. Each track brings something new to the table,
from funky beats to feminist rage anthems.

An element of the album I really enjoyed was that certain songs seemed to honor the style of
previous greats. “You Made Another Woman Out of Me” reminded me so much of the Johnny
Cash songs my grandparents would play for us as kids. The twangy vocals, simple backing track,
and lovesick lyrics all paid a beautiful homage to the style of Johnny Cash. “I Fell For It” has a
similar twangy feel with a honkytonk beat, and even has piano and harmonica elements that
I’m sure Johnny Cash would’ve loved to hear. “Mutual Friends” has a folk chill style, but rather
than Johnny Cash this song reminded me of the style of an Elvis song. The relaxed, slightly sad
and reminiscent vibes of “Three Star Hotel” reminded me of a Dolly Parton song, especially with
the female vocalist’s powerful voice.

The absolute standout songs of the album are its titular song, “The Beginning of the End” and
“Howlin for my Darlin”. For “The Beginning of the End”, the captivating lyrics, energizing back
track, and beautiful vocals make it an upbeat hit that both country fans and haters are sure to
enjoy. It’s easy to see how this song debuted at #2 on the Australian Country charts. “Howlin
for my Darlin” reminded me of a personal favorite song, “These Boots are Made for Walkin”
with their similar strong bass and emotional lyrics. The album rounds out these upbeat songs
with the mellower tracks “Homewreckers”, “Every Story has Two Sides”, and “Seven Spanish
Angels”. “Seven Spanish Angels” has a stripped down acoustic backing track which allows the
audience to enjoy the raw beauty and power of the vocalists.

"The Beginning of the End" weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of existence,
love, and the inexorable passage of time. The lyrics are poignant and introspective, inviting
listeners to reflect on their own journeys and connections with the world. Pleasures' lyrical
prowess is matched only by their ability to craft evocative soundscapes that resonate with the
deepest recesses of the soul. Be sure to catch their show at Eddie’s Attic on 2/29 – a show
that’ll likely help them become a mainstream favorite here in America.