Industrial influenced artist Pleasure Craft has a history dating back to 2017 as far as I can see on Bandcamp. Their debut single 'Everybody Wants Some' is not something I would ever consider covering on Brutal Resonance as it simply doesn't fit. Following another single and their first EP, Pleasure Craft released their sophomore EP. While the new wave influences are there, I think any indication of their industrial-influenced efforts that would come in the future came on the track 'Everything Is Fine'. It wasn't until Pleasure Craft began with 'Bag Down' that they started to take a darker direction into industrial music. 'Dead Weight' is the latest of those singles that dive into our humble little corner and serves as a teaser for their forthcoming album "WALLS, MIRRORS, and WINDOWS". 

'DEAD WEIGHT' begins with low, gritty background ambiance and backing vocals from Mingjia Chen. Glitchy and ominous strays of synth effects flutter in for the next forty-some seconds before a dribble of metallic drums courtesy of Ben Green fly in. Finally, the heavy and grinding synth elements break in as the main beat of the song. Throughout, founder Sam Lewis sings his heart out, almost moaning as each line is brought forth from his gut. Deeper into the song, I heard echoed whispers, dual vocals from Chen and Lewis, and an almost screeching background synth that elevated the sense of dread in the track. It's an all around brilliant piece that I think more people need to hear. This is, of course, all without mentioning the outro of the track which is a sick and frenetic jam session compiling everything we've heard and experimental sounds until the last breath. 

If this is any indication of what Pleasure Craft will be doing with their upcoming album, then I'm excited to hear what will come of it. Seven-and-a-half out of ten! 

This review was commissioned through our Ko-fi page.

Jan 17 2022