Photo Credit: Joshua Wood

Bristol grunge-punk trio The Pleasure Dome are set to release their brand new EP ‘Liminal Space’ this week and we sat down with vocalist/guitarist Bobby Spender to chat about their latest single ‘Your Fucking Smile’, the band’s upcoming hometown show and how the EP came about shortly after the release of their album. Pre-order the EP HERE.

What has the reception been like so far on ‘Your Fucking Smile’?

Bobby: I think because it’s called ‘Your Fucking Smile’ it hasn’t lit up. It feels as if this campaign is going on, it has been received the same as our album was, which is cool, but it is interesting to see it happen.

The EP and the album are only six months apart. Are these songs that were left out of the record?

Bobby: We recorded the album in February 2023, and this group of songs were written between the recording and release of the album. So they are part of the album in that sense, but are their own body of work.

Do you think because of the song title it can be difficult to gain attraction from radio and playlists?

Bobby: It can be, yes. We recorded a version called ‘Your Perfect Smile’ but decided to go with the name it is now for the single, but the clean version is included in the digital version of the EP. I haven’t told my Nan about it yet due to the swearing.

How does ‘Your Fucking Smile’ differ from your previous single ‘The Duke Part II (Friends & Enemies)’?

Bobby: This song in particular, it was designed to be heavier and faster than anything we had on the album. It is powerful regardless.

How excited are you for the EP to be released?

Bobby: I am really excited. There are some songs on there that are different to anything we have done before. I feel it leads us into the second album being able to explore more.

How important do you think it is to progress musically with every release?

Bobby: When I look back on before the album was released, we had around 15 singles, that is essentially an album but we never made it a full release. When I heard the album after recording it, there were no fast songs or melodic tracks like ‘The Duke’. I try to outdo myself each time, and with the EP coming out, and a line-up change it was a good way to include those types of songs.

Do you feel it is necessary to release new music off the back of a line-up change?

Bobby: The album sold really well around the world apart from the UK, so this EP was a good way to draw attention to the band again. The EP didn’t come about because of the line-up change though the decision was made to record the EP on Christmas Day.

Apart from your EP release show in Bristol, do you have any touring plans for 2024?

Bobby: The gig actually came before the EP was announced, but after a lot of touring and getting in debt, it may be the last one for a while. The EP is the main focus right now, but the band always has its sights set on the future, nothing I can share yet, but you’ll see more from us…

Does having the time off from touring help with your writing?

Bobby: Yes. This year will be all about writing album #2. I am writing bits but nothing is concrete right now. We have toured quite relentlessly since live shows could happen again after lockdown, so it is nice to be able to have that time off now.

What is the structure of your writing?

Bobby: I write the songs and record the demo. Everything is pretty much there but having a bassist and drummer who is better than me helps massively and they make it what it is today.

Do you record as a full band, or is it where you all do your own parts separately in the studio?

Bobby: We have always recorded together. Just getting to rock out works for us. I love the idea of a band, being a band. Having everybody together at once, you capture it more effectively.

How important is it to take care of yourself when on the road?

Bobby: I’d like to think I’m quite sensible. Eating well, but not a lot of food. Sometimes you don’t sleep, especially if you have just been on a mad one. It is crazier in Europe. I blew my voice out before, and I was shattered because of it. I learnt to exercise to help strengthen my diaphragm and I never get tired really now. Your voice always heals. I try not to worry about it.

What are your rider essentials?

Bobby: The best riders are the ones you don’t expect. I remember once we got to a venue in the Netherlands, and they gave us a stack of Vocalzone boxes. A good selection of tea, crisps and carrots. I can’t eat before I sing though. Water and Chocomel would be nice, and some beers for afterwards are always a bonus.

THE PLEASURE DOME will be performing in Bristol at The Lousiana on Friday 17th May. Tickets are on sale now.