DEADMAU5
Vexillology (2006)
Genres: Electronic, Breakbeat, Techno
Vexillology is the second studio album from experimental electronic musician Deadmau5. Returning a year later from his eclectic debut album, Get Scraped, Vexillology bears little resemblance to the aforementioned album. Perhaps this is because the debut was more of a compilation of sorts, featuring songs written from various years. However, despite being less eclectic, Vexillology is an album that benefits from its repetitive sound.
On the surface this may seem like overly-repetitive minimal techno album, which to a certain extent is true, but it's an album that is more about atmospheres, subtlety, and accents. Each song is made up of hypnotic breakbeats and pulsing rhythms, however, each track has its own distinct sound yet at the same time work as a cohesive whole as well. After many listens, all the songs show their flavors. Some songs are as direct as they can get, such as the appropriately titled "Bounce", which would certainly get a party moving. The same goes with "Dr. Funkenstein", which is a real techno powerhouse. The one experimental oddball that's on the album is the wacky glitch techno "Fustercluck", which is certainly what the title implies.
The upbeat yet slightly melancholy "Lai" and "Orca" provide the atmospheric side of the album, with the former having somewhat of a crashing industrial touch at the beginning. "Plus" combines the directness of "Bounce" with serene atmospherics emoting the feel of a wind tunnel. "TL7" and "Trepid" are my favorites on the album, and showcase the tribal electronic sound that deadmau5 would expand upon on the following releases.
While not eclectic like Get Scraped, Vexillology is a masterpiece in a different way. It took a while for it to really grow on me, but the more you listen the more you notice each nuance. Sometimes the most subtle albums can be among the best. If you already like your electronic music hypnotic and repetitive, this is one underrated gem to check out.
