BnB Review: Deadmau5 - 4x4=12

Written by Youri Jozee

Electrohouse -

Deadmau5’ new album is among the most discussed releases of this year for many, many reasons. Now that the album's actually released it's time to have a closer and truly objective look. Here's what we think.

There buzz surrounding this album has been huge over the months prior to its release. After the worldwide acclaimed Random Album Title and For Lack Of A Better Name LPs, the pressure to deliver again must have been huge for the Mau5. Tracks such as Some Chords and Sofi Needs A Ladder revealed just very few of what this album was gonna be like, building up the level expectationsa mongst his fanbase even more, but as the album seemingly wasn't fully supported by its creator loosened tongues among critics a bit more too. And now it’s here, and you may already have read tons of reviews stating how much this album sucks. Now, is it really that bad as they say it is?

No, it’s not. Far from that, really. It’s different. 4x4=12 leans on a much more powerful electro house structure instead of Deadmau5’ trademarked hands-in-the-air progressive trance vibes. In other words, this album busts a serious dose of stomping electro, in which the emphasis lies more on rhythm instead of melodies. Although the album as a whole lacks the diversity to keep us focused for its full playtime, we do get to hear several gems such as Sleeping Beauty Pills, Atrium and the dubstep-ish Michael Woods remix of I Said. And with electro house, dubstep and trance covered on one album, 4x4=12 also is the Mau5’ most diverse album till date.

Our verdict
Don’t believe the hype, but don’t believe the negative bitching either. 4x4=12 is a compilation of stuff that’s rocking Deadmau5 live shows, and we can’t deny that these tunes are effective bombs indeed. And you can't expect mr. Zimmerman to turn to IDM all of a sudden now can you? All in all a decent compilation -pretty much what we expected- to complement the global brand that is Deadmau5.

Rating: 6.8/10
Label: Virgin
Release date: Out now

Tracklist:
1. Some Chords
2. Sofi Needs a Ladder
3. A City In Florida
4. Bad Selection
5. Animal Rights
6. I Said (Michael Woods Remix)
7. Cthulhu Sleeps
8. Right This Second
9. Raise Your Weapon
10.One Trick Pony
11.Everything Before