***PLEASURE LEFTISTS formed in 2010 with vocalist HALEY MORRIS, guitarist KEVIN JAWORSKI, drummer MARK TERVEEN, and bassist STEVE PEFFER. With a clear vision in place, the group made its debut with a self-titled EP that recalls everything from Joy Division to Comsat Angels to Chameleons. Unlike many who rip off these influences, Pleasure Leftists take only a few cues from the past, all to better construct its understanding of the present. The Woods of Heaven is the band's first proper LP after a string of EPs and singles through labels such as Katorga Works, Fan Death Records, and its current home, Deranged Records. This album features an aggressive tone with tense yet catchy songs such as "Cannon" and "Heaven's Rocker." Lead single "You You” is a perfect showcase of just how impressive a vocalist Haley Morris is—not only in her range but in her audible confidence, which propels every track like an engine motor. The Woods of Heaven is a jaw-dropping debut full-length. Most artists dream of writing an LP where every song sounds important, urgent, and necessary. Pleasure Leftists have done just that.
LP $16.00
08/28/2015
On the follow-up to their 2 song EP on Katorga Works (which features both songs off the EP), PLEASURE LEFTISTS have expanded upon the moody post-punk they're known for. With these songs, however, the chorusy bass is much more prominent than on their 12 inch debut EP and brings a darker feel to the sound. On first listen it seems easy to compare that sound to that of bands like Masshysteri or Terrible Feelings, but give it a few more spins and you begin to find a lot more depth and weirdness than the often straight-forward approach of the aforementioned. The most notable standout of PL for me is the rare and fiercely original vocal approach of lead singer HALEY. Prior to being recruited, Haley was known for her radio show, and since has begun her own solo project called KIERMAN PARADISE, which sheds light on a more electronic synthy background. Her often incoherent banshee croons set a mood which envelops and entrances you, and the guitar and bassist are smart enough to back it up subtly and simply with jangly leads and dutiful rhythms. Not at all what one might expect from two former members of 9 SHOCKS TERROR, but good enough to make you forget any comparison or dissection. "Hunger Split" accents the rest of the songs perfectly with its surprising brightness in the midst of the otherwise-broody record. The ensuing "Not Over" conjures some Twee elements with its soft loose guitars and driving bass.
12" $13.00
10/08/2013