Pleasure & Pain is a full catalog of music that most record companies would separate into perhaps two cohesive albums, or at least as a 2-volume set in order to maximize revenues. The hungry new label chooses instead to introduce the world to their first artist with a collection of music that is as multi-faceted and genre-bending as its producer. As a producer, clktrx is nothing if not prolific, but as the President of his namesake label, he has amassed a full album when studios are fearfully and greedingly pushing EPs and singles. clktrx opts to go all in with the debut of his label's first artist, delivering 77 minutes of music that satisfies from beginning to end. The world was first introduced to Gus Rouse nearly a year ago, when the label released "Cold World," and "Gotta Get Out." Both appear here, part of a larger vision. Gus Rouse is hard to define, although he admittedly attempts to let us into his head through 18 tracks of skillful word play. Rouse runs the gamut here, exploring his own demons ("Gotta Get Out"), his fallen friends (RIP MJ), and his desire for vengeance ("Wartime"). Too often studios will force songs by their artists to appease a broader demographic, but Rouse seems the most comfortable when he's addressing the ladies. Unapologetically, he spits game one minute ("Run Script"), compares waking up to last night's conquest to breakfast food (the metaphor-laden "Cold Pizza"), and then seemlessly vulnerably soothes and comforts the superior sex ("Take Away The Pain," "Story Ain't Over"). clktrx has crafted an an album here that hits all the spots. His artist appeals to a mass audience and the tracks clktrx provides for the canvas allow Mr. Rouse to spit with ferocity, tenderness, and vulnerability. The production ranges from the epic anthems that we've come to expect from clktrx, to beats designed for the streets, and for the bedroom. Gus and clktrx fill over an hour of music themselves. Frequent collaborator Le'var Howard also releases an album this month and is heard on no less than 8 of the 18 tracks. Also featured are Portland natives Levi Santana and AK. Newcomers YDOC and Mazzi also come alongside the new MC on a track a piece. Dale Scott Jr, a longtime singer/songwriter gets credit on this album as well, taking a rare vocal hook away from clktrx, and blessing "Get On The Floor" with his raw baritone. Even with the featured artists, Pleasure & Pain is clearly Gus Rouse and clktrx. The songs are at their best when the two go back and forth over muted, thumping bass loops and dreamy synths. A debut album for the ages, and the masses, clktrx presents his label's first artist with an album filled with hits to please every corner of the game.