As Canada’s leading figure in the electronic music scene, deadmau5 has certainly had an eventful 2012. From taking on Madonna in an online war of words to calling out the entire EDM music genre and DJs around the globe, the man hasn’t remained quiet throughout the course of this year. Along with making headlines on a regular basis, he also had time to record his sixth studio album. Named >Album Title Goes Here<, the effort sees deadmau5 return to honour the stylings of his earlier musical output, while also making sure to mix in some new influences. Add in a star-studded list of guest contributors, and you have yourself another solid effort from Canada’s top DJ.
“Superliminal” kicks things off, immediately hearken back to the opening track “FML” on deadmau5’s renowned For Lack of a Better Name with its stomping bassline and beat. Even with a small ambient section in the middle, this is one opener that perhaps drags on a little too long. Up next is “Channel 42,” a typical deadmau5-style banger which sees him team up with fellow house music producer Wolfgang Gartner. Punchy beats run through fun synthesizer patterns, with a hint of dubstep thrown in for good measure. “The Veldt” is a dreamy eightminute EDM piece, featuring guest vocalist Chris James. An easy track to get lost in, it could easily fit right in alongside tracks on the deadmau5 classic Random Album Title.
A number of excellent pieces follow, with “Fn Pig” and its dancy, thumping nature leading the way. “Professional Griefers” features Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance handling vocal duties on what is the most radio-friendly moment of the album.“Maths” is a quirky, glitchy number with a mean groove to it, slowing down every so often to highlight some incredible layered synth work. “There Might Be Coffee” is a very redeeming point on the album which sees deadmau5 show off his progressive side over a very trance-oriented bass line. This one is an album highlight, without a doubt.
