The Discussion – All The Pretty Flowers (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Artoffact Records)
After a series of single releases, it is now time for The Discussion—the solo project of Laura Pleasants (known from Kylesa)—to unveil its debut album. The previously released singles have been brought together here, accompanied by additional tracks, for a total of 10 songs.
The production harks back to the 80s, drawing on the magic of Dark-Wave but especially Dream-Pop. The guitar work sounds heavenly throughout, creating an irresistible, mysterious, and dreamy atmosphere that at times recalls the ethereal beauty of Cocteau Twins. Laura Pleasants’ floating vocals blend seamlessly with the music, adding an extra layer of depth. The album features several standout tracks, but the new song “Over The Edge” is, in my opinion, the true gem among them.
While the style itself may not break new ground, the execution and production are of a remarkably high level. That’s precisely why I can wholeheartedly recommend this record. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Over The Edge”:
Read the news on ‘All The Pretty Flowers’.
About The Discussion
The Discussion is the solo project of musician and visual artist Laura Pleasants, formerly of the psychedelic sludge metal band Kylesa. Pleasants established The Discussion in 2016 after nearly 15 years with Kylesa, moving from heavy metal toward post-punk, new wave, gothic rock, shoegaze and psychedelic rock. The project debuted with the “European Tour” EP in 2017.
Pleasants worked with producer Jason Corbett of Actors on “All The Pretty Flowers”, released May 23, 2025 on Artoffact Records. The album followed a run of 2024 singles including “In The Mirror” and “Fade Away”, and gathers its ten tracks from those earlier singles alongside new material.
Support Side-Line
More people read Side-Line than ever, and there is still no paywall and no advertising. Readers pay for it instead - from $5 a month.
Why we ask
Advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations we have not put up a paywall, and we refuse to add annoying advertising, so we need to ask for your help. Side-Line’s independent journalism takes time, money and hard work to produce, and we do it to push the artists we like, who are equally fighting to survive.
Handled by PayPal.
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
