Bristol Punk Outfit The Pleasure Dome Highlight The Toll Of Social Media On “Pretty Picture”
As the raging fire that is social media continues to grow with each passing day, Bristol punk four-piece The Pleasure Dome are using their new single “Pretty Picture” to shed some light on the importance of self-love, albeit, in a slightly cynical and sarcastic way (what did you expect; they’re a Brit-punk band). With sonic influences tying into acts such as Viagra Boys, IDLES, and Shame, The Pleasure Dome fit in comfortable with their roaring guitars, speak-singing vocals and mathematical percussion, while calling out society and its backwards ways.
Touching on the subject of the quick-fix mentality of social media and its superficial tendencies, “Pretty Picture” highlights the efforts made to hide insecurities and the truth behind a photo or post, with its almost patronizing chorus of “pretty picture, with all your sea shells in a row”. “Self love is important”, the band share. “It’s important for our mental health, our relationships and even to our dreams and ambitions. Sometimes you wonder if anyone will love you, first love yourself.”
Questioning the tactics of the social media users, they continue: “Pretty Picture” is inspired by everything from the nursery rhyme, ‘Mary Mary Quite Contrary’ to Show Me The Body, Metronomy’s album ‘Nights Out’ and The Beatles the song ‘Taxman’ – it presents the idea of people’s desire to share their lives on social media, with their superficial sand castles soon lost to the scrolling tide. Their carefully crafted content is gone in a moment – does this impact the self, is it healthy, is personal social media contrary to the reason we do it? It explores these ideas of narcissism by looking inwards at the self, the way we give meaning to our own image based on our experience, how we can be blind to aspects of our personality which are clear to others.”
Watch the music video below and stay tuned for more music from The Pleasure Dome.
