The Pleasures are a three-piece band from Australia comprising of a trio of talented musicians in their own right. For nights like this a bassist extends the line up to four as opening act Riley Catherall expanded his repertoire to the rhythm section. Lachlan Bryan (widely known in the UK as the front person of his Wildes band) and Catherine Britt (lesser known in the UK but an esteemed international country artist for several years) front this recently formed combo with all round musician Brad Bergen adding the drums. Following a debut album release in 2023, the band have made a couple of visits to the UK this summer (no mean feat from Down Under) to promote their music culminating with a prestigious slot at Shrewsbury Folk Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend.
This Kitchen Garden date was a handy insertion on the eve of the festival appearance in nearby Shropshire, and a venue supportive of Lachlan Bryan's music in the past. A freshened approach led to a healthy turnout as the gig essentially kickstarted a late summer/autumn surge for many after a few passive high summer weeks on the local circuit. A mix of folks previously acquainted with the work of Lachlan and Catherine alongside others taking a punt on a piqued interest were treated to a comprehensive evening circumnavigating the roots cycle of music best described as country, folk, Americana and rock.
As earlier mentioned, Riley Catherall opened the show and from a decent allotted slot pushing the forty-five minute mark showed the breadth of his development as a blossoming solo performer on the international touring circuit. He has spent almost the entire Northern Hemisphere summer in Europe playing an extensive assortment of shows promoting the wares from a recently released album. Each set has marginally evolved to the extent that a significant development can be noted. Time is approaching to head back to Australia and concentrate on his homeland. The promise of the return of Riley Catherall as a talented singer-songwriter, exceptional lead guitar player for the Wildes and pop-up bassist for The Pleasures is one to look forward to.
For me this was the third time catching The Pleasures live. Late last year their music was briefly introduced via a support slot for Hannah Aldridge. On the band's first UK stint this year they played a storming headline set at the Maverick Festival that perfected the art of showcasing a band through a concise performance. This debut appearance in Birmingham had a greater scope for chat, and when Lachlan Bryan is on top form with his witty anecdotes, you get a lot more than just great music.
From a set quickly propelling to an hour and a quarter, the entirety of the debut album was played alongside a familiar rocking cover of 'Shakin' All Over', which has become a staple of 'The Pleasures Live'. The entertainment value of the songs is enhanced by the banter often falling into the category of 'best left in the venue' - the beauty and uniqueness of the live experience.
The songs of The Pleasures have sprung from a joint place. The chemistry between Lachlan and Catherine has obviously transcended from the writing process to the stage delivery. The themes are right to the bones of country music, without the cliches or restraints. While elements of The Band and My Darling Clementine are detected, originality is a decisive factor. A marker is set to what the band can achieve when all parties find time in their busy schedules to re-engage in something that has proved engaging for fans keen to buy in.
Finches, Wildes, Willows, Pleasures, Prawnstars. It's been an Aussie summer!
