San Diego, California - December 6, 2025

Being a staple venue for the punk and rock scene in San Diego for decades, it’s only right for Pleasure Pill to have a consistent rotation performing at the Casbah. This Chula Vista/San Diego based band roots its foundation in 90s rock and roll with flares of the punk explosion from the 70s – basically what being at the Casbah on a Saturday night feels like. The doors lead you into a time capsule from 1989, with its raw feel and traces of The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, The Breeders and countless iconic bands scattered throughout the spot. One of the few places still standing to this day exactly as it started – from and for the community’s heart for rock and roll.

After walking through a cloud of cigarette smoke and a young-adult crowd full of tattoos, layered lace and denim jackets, the dimly lit room/bar centered on a three foot high stage. The echoing chatter in the space diminished as the Pleasure Pill boys walked on, starting off their set with “Get There Soon”, and instantly transformed the place from a small venue to Wembley Stadium. The drummer, Dominic Friedly, dominated controlled yet explosive drums that got our chests beating outside of ourselves as Ethan Paz and Justin Bordwell went heavy on the guitar, and John McCain on bass. “Favorite Color Gold” sounded like an extension of The Stone Roses in the most original and satisfying way possible, before performing a cover of “Waterfall” by The Stone Roses. The reverbed, anthemic and punchy noises coming from the entire band created a tangible beat that came onto the crowd like a wave and eventually consumed everybody in the room. Each person was rocking back and forth, banging their head, and thoughtlessly dancing with their friends by the second song. It can be hard at times to go to a concert and truly get taken over by the music, but Pleasure Pill has this way of being so loud, with melodies so smooth and cohesive, there’s no room to hear yourself think or constrict yourself from moving along.

Coming out with their debut album, Hang A Star, on June 27 of this year, they played their top songs, “Line Up The Stars”, “Not Giving Up” and “My Way To You” from the record. These songs had an Oasis-esque style that were encapsulating and made the room come alive with their confident, straight-edged lyrics. Lead singer, Jonah Paz’ infectious vocals stretched out the melodies and choruses that stay chanting in your head for days after. Their single from 2023, “Wonder How”, being a Grade A example. Jonah used his arms and hips as much as the tambourine and shakers in his hands throughout the show – just watching him with sunglasses on, mouth wide open, neck tilted up, and body grooving to every beat was a show in itself.

For the majority of the show, little words were spoken, but when they were, it was in pure gratitude. Jonah expressed many thanks for people coming out to support, as well as deep pride in being from the Chula Vista and San Diego area, playing a show on home turf. They introduced an unreleased track, “Feel Alive”, and ended their set with heavier, guitar-forward songs the likes of “One to Blame” and “So Long”.

Leaving the venue with ringing ears and rattled bones, there was physical evidence of a good time and electrified air through the power of Pleasure Pill.

Pleasure Pill is making sounds and bringing back that historical ode to Brit-pop, New York punk no one else has been doing in recent years. Their presence on stage was bold, magnetic, and demanding of attention that made you happy to give it. Not only are they reviving the era of Brit-pop and 90s alternative rock, but they’re bringing the energy in every space and making music created for live shows and stadiums, going way beyond the concept of streams and digital media. It gives clear nods to inspiration taken from earlier decades and movements from the past while trailblazing their own path amongst this modern world of the music industry and society.

These boys are staying true to passionate, raw music and are worthy of every ear that gets the chance to see them live.