Pleasantly Wild – “Love Language”

Pleasantly Wild’s album Love Language is one of my favorite records of the week. Right away, there’s a relaxed confidence in how the band blends rock, pop, and reggae into something that can make you want to replay it again and again. It has a laid-back charm, but there’s still plenty going on to keep things interesting from start to finish. Trust me when I say this, you turn into a fan of the band after listening to this album.

The band, made up of Pleasantly Wild members Derrick Pace, Jim Arroway, and Mike Fasano, clearly pull from a wide mix of influences, and you can hear that variety in the way the songs move and shift. There are moments that feel bright and upbeat, followed by sections that slow things down just enough to give the album some balance. It never feels scattered though. Everything fits together in a way that feels intentional and easy to follow.

Knowing it was recorded at Landslide Recording Studio in Asheville with a mix of analog and digital techniques helps explain why it sounds both polished and warm at the same time . There’s a bit of texture in the sound that keeps it from feeling too slick, which works really well for the style they’re going for.

A big part of the album’s appeal is how it pulls from real life experiences. That gives the songs a grounded quality, like they’re coming from somewhere honest without being overly heavy. It’s the kind of record you can throw on in the car, at home, or with friends and it still works. My favorites are “Lazy Afternoon” and “Roller Skates”.

You can also tell this is a band that cares about the live side of things. Hearing about their release show at the Pulp Orange Peel makes sense after listening, since the songs feel like they would translate really well on stage .Love Language is a fun, easygoing listen that still has enough depth to keep you engaged. I’d definitely recommend checking it out, along with Pleasantly Wild’s earlier work, and giving them a follow to see what they do next.