The Pleasure Kills

Blasting out of San Francisco--frequently compared to Blondie, Nikki Corvette, Josie Cotton, and Joan Jett--The Pleasure Kills play powerpop, new wave, and punk!

Girl-fronted, with irresistible hooks and bubblegum organ sounds, The Pleasure Kills are unabashedly fun. Their recordings may be pop-perfect, but there's a serious punk toughness and grit underlying the sweetness. On stage, they're wild and play with unbridled energy and ferocity. Lead singer Lydiot's superstar voice, dynamic stage presence, and cover-girl looks make her a quintessential pop queen.

Formed in San Francisco in 2007, the band's unique sound resulted from an error in planning and execution: they wanted to be punk rock but wrote pop songs. Reviews of the first single tagged their music as powerpop, and an appearance at the 2008 Wild Weekend Powerpop festival in Austin with classic acts like The Boys, Pointed Sticks, 20-20 and Nikki Corvette solidified the genre classification.

Listeners often say the band has an 80s sound, and reviewers have mentioned the "Valley Girl" soundtrack. Guitarist James Jameson says, "The 80s thing is accidental, and isn't anything we were aiming for. That's just the way we naturally play the songs. I'm a big fan of the classic powerpop bands, but I think a lot of our stuff kind of sounds more new wave than powerpop." Vocalist Lydiot adds, "I really love sugary sweet catchy hooks in the songs I write, but I also like to mix in a little grime and spit along with some heartbreak and whiskey on the side." Organist Jeffrey Ject says, "I get thrilled every time someone mentions a band like The Shivvers or Nikki And The Corvettes when talking about us. I totally dig that stuff. What helps make our sound interesting and unique is that everyone in the band has a somewhat different set of musical influences." Bassist A-Dutch says, "I like poppy girl groups and Ramones-style punk rock, and I get both of those in The Pleasure Kills!"

Ultimately, The Pleasure Kills music is instantly familiar while simultaneously sounding new and modern. The catchy melodies and driving beats hook the listener, and further spins reveal careful construction and songcraft underneath.

In the summer of 2010, the band visited all parts of the U.S. on a six week tour extravaganza in support of the "Bring Me A Match" album. While in the Northeast, the band supported SF punk legends The Avengers on multiple dates and played live on WFMU.

2010's "Bring Me A Match" album continues the success of the three previous singles ("Dancing On My Bed", 2009; "Mission Boy", 2008; and “Smash Up The Radio”, 2007, sold out). The album is distributed by Revolver, garnered significant college radio airplay and accolades from a variety of pundits, and appeared on a number of Best Of 2010 lists.

The band supported Kepi Ghoulie (ex-Groovie Ghoulies) on a full national tour in Summer 2009, and they toured the Southwest in Summer 2008. They played the Noise Pop festival in San Francisco in 2010 (Yo La Tengo, Best Coast, Ted Leo, etc.), Insubordination Fest in Baltimore in 2009 (Dead Milkmen, Dilinger 4, Pansy Division, etc.), the Wild Weekend Powerpop Fest in Austin in 2008 (The Boys, Pointed Sticks, 20-20, Nikki Corvette, etc.), and the Slabtown Bender fest in Portland in 2009 and 2008 (Mudhoney, Jack Oblivian, Pierced Arrows, etc.). Outside of the festivals, they've shared the stage with bands including The Avengers, Chixdiggit, The Cute Lepers, Davila 666, Earthmen And Strangers, Gentleman Jesse And His Men, Gorevette, The Girls, Grass Widow, Harlem, Head, King Louie One Man Band, Lords Of Altamont, Nobunny, Nous Non Plus, Paul Collins' Beat, Quintron And Miss Pussycat, The Rantouls, Jay Reatard, River City Tanlines, Riverboat Gamblers, Slow Club, The Tranzmitors, Wax Museums, and White Mystery.

Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/thepleasurekills

Contact: telegramjeff (AT) gmail.com