San Diego’s indie-rock stalwarts Pleasure Pill are back, and they aren’t just treading water—they are diving deeper. The band has officially announced their new EP, ALIVE, set for release on April 24 via Quiet Panic. Arriving on the heels of their high-octane live reputation, the new record promises a sharper, more expansive evolution of their signature sound.

The lead single, „Feel Alive“ (available now), serves as the project’s heartbeat. Built on a relentless groove that feels both immediate and effortless, it captures the essence of youthful vitality. Frontman Jonah Paz describes the track as a celebration of „being young and having a lust for life—celebrating the good times the day could never bring.“

A Sonic Spectrum: From Psychedelia to Acoustic Intimacy

ALIVE is a record of contrasts. It kicks off with the ambient studio chatter of „If You Believe in Me,“ a track that strips away the artifice to highlight Paz’s songwriting prowess. However, the band isn’t afraid to lean into their influences; „Is It Me“ channels a restless, „over-caffeinated“ energy that tips its hat to the psychedelic swagger of The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

The EP concludes with the ambitious „Stand Still.“ Moving away from the wall-of-sound approach, the band utilizes acoustic arrangements to create something that feels massive in its emotional weight rather than its volume.

„It’s easy to make a song sound large with Marshall amps and Les Pauls—it’s a whole other challenge to make something feel big with just acoustic instruments,“ says Paz. „Pleasure Pill can do both.“

The Independent Path

Since their formation in 2021 by brothers Jonah and Ethan Paz, Pleasure Pill have navigated the industry with a refreshing sense of autonomy. Despite early overtures from major labels, the quintet chose to remain independent, refining a sound that bridges the gap between the ’60s British Invasion and the baggy, danceable grooves of ’90s Primal Scream and The Stone Roses.

By keeping their DIY roots intact while signing with Quiet Panic, the band has maintained the creative freedom necessary to grow from San Diego’s underground scene into a national touring act.

Limited Edition & Live Dates

For the vinyl enthusiasts, the band is offering a hyper-limited Translucent Clear Lathe Cut 10″ EP, restricted to just 30 copies. With the band currently on a West Coast run—including a homecoming show at San Diego’s Soda Bar—these copies are expected to vanish instantly.

‚ALIVE‘ is out April 24.

• Stream „Feel Alive“: https://orcd.co/pleasurepill-feelalive

• Pre-order the EP: Quiet Panic Official Store

Upcoming Live Dates

• April 15: Los Angeles, CA – Moroccan Lounge

• April 16: San Diego, CA – Soda Bar

Track List:

1. If You Believe in Me

2. Feel Alive

3. Is It Me

4. Stand Still

Photo: Alejandra Cardenas