Hailing from the tight-knit music scene of Perth, Australia, Pleasants is a band born out of years of collaboration, shared stages, and the occasional terrible retail job. Fronted by Alex (guitar, lead vocals), the live lineup is rounded out by Matt (guitar, backing vocals), Indigo (bass), and Alec (drums). Though the band itself is a relatively new entity, its members have long been embedded in the fabric of the Australian underground, playing in an array of punk, garage and powerpop outfits.

Perth’s music community may be small, but its camaraderie runs deep. Alex and Alec’s connection strengthened when they started playing in Ghoulies together, while Matt and Alex’s bonded over shared shifts at a less-than-ideal retail job just before the pandemic. Despite playing in numerous projects—some together, some apart—their paths continued to intersect until Pleasants naturally took form.

Alex’s journey began in the UK before relocating to Perth at the age of five, while the rest of the band is from Western Australia. Their collective experience spans a broad range of projects, including Aborted Tortoise, Paranoias, Dennis Cometti, Pissedcolas, Thee Loose Hounds, Termite, Cuss, Gunns, Kitchen People and more. With a deep DIY ethos, each member brings a wealth of creative energy, making Pleasants more than just another band—it’s an extension of years spent honing their craft.

Unlike the collaborative nature of their past bands, Pleasants was initially conceived as a solo recording project. Alex writes and records all the songs, tracking everything from drums to vocals on a four-track cassette setup. “I was living two hours south of Perth in the country at the time,” he shares. “I could play and practice anytime without annoying anyone.”

His songwriting process starts with a simple guitar riff recorded on his phone, which then forms the foundation for the full instrumentation. Lyrics often come last — pulled from a long-running list of ideas — resulting in a raw but refined energy that translates into the band’s live performances. “Naturally, it sounds pretty different live, especially since we play without a synth,” Alex notes, “but hopefully it still rocks.”

New Release: Losing Streak 7” Single

Pleasants’ latest offering is a 7” single featuring Losing Streak b/w Sick Sad Situation, set to drop in March via Under The Gun. Leaning further into late ‘70s and early ‘80s punk and powerpop influences, Alex is embracing a stripped-down, guitar-driven approach. “Fewer bands are committing to a good old-fashioned 7” single these days, so I wanted to write two songs strong enough to stand alone.” Losing Streak also signals a shift toward more emotionally charged songwriting, something Alex is eager to explore further in future releases.

While early on Alex actively resisted melodic punk due to growing up in the pop-punk era, recent years have softened his stance. Contemporary bands like GeeTee, The Unknowns and Nancy have shown him that catchy, pop-forward punk can still carry a DIY, rough-around-the-edges energy.

For older influences, Pleasants channels the likes of The Undertones, The Boys and Protex, with a particular fondness for late ‘70s Western Australian punk like The Manikins and early Scientists. “Anything remotely Ramones-esque will always be prevalent,” he admits.

2024 was a landmark year for Pleasants. The release of their Rocanrol in Mono LP in March exceeded expectations, and a July tour across Australia’s east coast—while logistically chaotic—was a blast. However, the standout moment was the band’s European tour, which kicked off on New Year’s Eve. “Those were by far the best shows we’ve ever played,” Alex beams.

With touring mostly in the rearview for now, 2025 will focus on writing and recording. A few east coast Australian shows are on the horizon to support the 7” and a repress of the LP, but the main priority is crafting the next full-length record.

Perth’s music scene, though intimate, is thriving despite a shrinking number of venues. The Buffalo Club in Fremantle remains a crucial hub, while Greg at Permanent Residence has been instrumental in bringing international acts to town. The hardcore scene is currently dominating, but Pleasants and their peers are still holding the torch for powerpop and punk.

Some standout acts from Perth’s underground? “Sooks, False Cobra, Helta Skelta, Amerol, and Total Defeat,” Alex recommends.

Before wrapping up, Alex throws in some love for friends and supporters: “LOVE YOU PAOLO! LOVE YOU JENS & LORENZO! VIVAaaaaa!”

With a promising new release, a dedicated fanbase, and a love for raw, energetic punk, Pleasants is set to continue making waves in Australia and beyond. Keep an eye out for the Losing Streak 7” in March and whatever melodic madness they cook up next.