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alt-country

Vending Machine Repairmen (VMR)

Vending Machine Repairmen (VMR) are a young & local band that play a hybrid of garage alt-rock and grunge. VMR is on the brink of exploding onto the Melbourne rock scene and has played at highly esteemed venues around the city, being deemed “The future of rock’n’roll” by Cherry Bar. Singers-guitarists Toby and Plunky-Z started jamming during lockdown and were later joined by bassist Thomas. The group finally came together in July ’22 when they were joined by drummer Leion. They made their debut at Banule’s Youthfest two months later and have since shared the stage with large Australian acts such as King Stingray and Teenage Joan's when they played in The Push 2023 All Ages Tour. They have been playing at venues such as Workers Club, Shotkickers and Cherry Bar, as they work their way to the top of the Melbourne music scene.

Catherine Britt & Lachlan Bryan

The first offering from The Pleasures (Catherine Britt and Lachlan Bryan’s new outfit) is “The Beginning of the End”. Americana twang meets dirty rock n roll on this sassy single with its themes of mischief and recklessness - the perfect antidote for these austere times. Britt and Bryan’s perfectly matched vocals holler over a stomping, swaggering band, leaving us in no doubt that The Pleasures have come out swinging!

A 70s-psychedelia inspired music video accompanies the single, and it’s filled with the energy and intensity you can expect at The Pleasures’ upcoming live shows.

While Catherine and Lachlan already have established careers, this collaboration which began with a late-night sms exchange, quickly ascended into a feverish fortnight of writing and recording. The project represents a significant stylistic shift for both artists. Their debut album is already in the can and is set for release later in 2022.

“Lachlan and I have always clicked in life and in song” explains Catherine, “and we’ve always had an unspoken understanding and respect for one another. These songs came so easy - they flowed out of us like a raging stream. I just want more honest, real music in the world, and I couldn’t think of a better person to make it with!”

“I don’t think know anyone else who feels and understands country music the way Catherine does”, says Lachlan. “She sounds authentic because she is authentic. When she opens her mouth and sings you can hear the neon lights buzzing, you can taste the tequila and you can barely see for the cloud of smoke. It’s all that stuff that people try and fake – they try and put in on – but it’s like she was just born with it”.

“The Beginning of the End” was released January 21 2022 through Beverley Hillbilly Records via MGM Distribution.

The Pleasures will play their first shows in February at the following venues:

Wednesday 9th February – The Grant Junction Hotel – Maitland NSW

Thursday 10th February - Lazybones Lounge – Marrickville NSW

Wednesday 16th February – Ziggy Pops – St Kilda VIC

Thursday 17th February – Brass Monkey Cronulla NSW

A rescheduled show in April at the Welders Dog in Tamworth for

Tamworth Country Music Festival will be announced soon.