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Freeplay: Maus
By Shannon Yoshida
syoshida@mscd.edu

Maus Recogniser (Drift Records)

If life had a soundtrack, Maus would be responsible for playing during dreams and maybe some nightmares.

Instrumentally, Recogniser is a wave in an ocean of electronic sound with a combination of deep, pounding beats and crisp, short notes. Maus’ most prevalent trademark is the haunting use of hand bells, often chilling their way through the songs on the album. Most of the sound is electronic, but hints of guitar occasionally shine through. Some techno melodies are present, but the album is quite dark and transcends the regular barrier of “happy-go-lucky” music.

The very first track showcases the creepy tone of the 12-track release, with a background wisp of bells and choppy electrical enhancements. Sneaking into the middle of the track is a solo organ, perpetuating the strange tone.

“No Value Token” goes even further into nightmarish resonance with a quick-paced intro followed by long, drawn-out notes overlaid once again with the twinkling of bells, brief and condensed.

The album lightens up a bit with “Venice Bit Circler,” which uses a techno dance style to twist the song into many different angles and pitches. But it is preceded by “XXG,” which presents a slower side of things, with echoing sequences panning from speaker to speaker.

Each and every track possesses a distinct mood, mostly amusing and absorbing, sucking every ounce of attention into the song. Unpredictable and clever, the album offers music for any situation.

Drift Records, whose website offers Recogniser for free download, is a nonprofit netlabel that posts albums and music of any genre, but prefers relaxing tunes and artistic works. All the label’s music is licensed under the Creative Commons License, which means their albums are free to be copied, distributed and performed under the conditions that the artist has designated. It must also be used noncommercially, and the music may not be altered or built upon. The label’s main purpose is the free sharing of music, passing the gift from person to person.

Download Maus’ Recogniser at http://www.driftrecords.net/releases/004.html.