Rating: NNN
Canadian electro-house producer Deadmau5 is one of the most popular dance music artists in the world, which means he’s got a target painted on his back where the critics can take aim. Haters complain that he represents the worst knuckle-dragger impulses in club music and that he’s the soundtrack of choice for Jersey Shore wannabes the world over. Fair enough, but if you listen to this disc accepting the nature of mainstream dance music, you’ve got to give him some credit for being so successful at it.
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The cheesy trance breakdowns and macho synth riffs aren’t exactly tasteful, but in the right context they are highly effective. He’s best at summing up all the club trends in one sound. You get the aforementioned trance and electro references, but also nods to dubstep, minimal techno, house and even disco. Those who go to genuine underground parties every weekend will find it a bit lame, but considering the work of his fellow chart-topping populists, you could do a lot worse.
Top track: Animal Rights
Deadmau5 pounds out the beats Boxing Day (December 26) at the Guvernment.
