Pleasure Trail’s latest electropop single, “MASC4MASC,” moves away from the shadows of the previous release “He’s Got It” swapping the past betrayals for a loud and proud exploration of queer identity. While earlier releases put a focal point on clarity through distance, this song leans into current day, celebrating the desire to be “explicitly seen” and the joy of finding their place.
“MASC4MASC” was created from a desire to write a homo-erotic song that moved beyond their (Pleasure Trail’s) usual themes of OCD and metal wellbeing with the lyrics written alongside friend Possibly Jamie. Rather than focusing on heartbreak, the song focuses on desires which were told in lines such as “I want the boy who looks like every other stylish guy” and with the addition of a Grindr notification, the song pokes fun at the typical stereotypes like “GYM GEAR” and “anonymous profiles” which makes turning the search of a “guys guy” into an electropop jam.
“I never felt represented as a masculine, queer person,” they explain. “Ultimately, I returned to who I always had been, re-discovering my authentic self. I wanted to be that representation to other young people struggling to fit in.”
Sonically, “MASC4MASC” is still built around Pleasure Trail’s style with the iconic 909 drumbeats, combined with glitch-pop synths and a great bassline. Together, they make up a fun, exciting, and upbeat vibe to the song within the electropop genre. Lyrically, “MASC4MASC” focuses on the representation and authenticity rather than framing around conflict, the song reflects on the pivot from isolation to celebration, showing the frustration of trying to fit in and the joy of finally finding self-acceptance.
As a single and final single into the Repeat It EP, “MASC4MASC” marks a turning point for Pleasure Trail, by combining, satirical lyrics with the electropop genre, the song captures self-assurance, showcasing the artist is no longer just reflecting on experiences but reclaiming them.