Digital, 23rd October 2008

Deadmau5, (pronounced “Deadmouse”), is the current darling and poster boy of the progressive house scene. He arrived at Digital tonight in a flurry of hype, fresh from last month’s triumphant set during Matter’s opening week, and with a critically acclaimed debut album, “Random Album Title”, riding high in the dance charts.

It seems that everybody loves Deadmau5: from the amorous fans on his slick blog, to the likes of Tiesto and Laurent Garnier clamouring to give kudos to his blend of techno, house and trance. Joel Zimmerman (his alter ego is so-named after said rodent was found festering in his computer) certainly has the record execs eating out of his paws. Brand Deadmau5 is now available on t-shirts, baseball caps and even a cute, light-up mouse head. I should have approached tonight’s gig with a balanced and objective mindset, but following his choice of ‘knowing’ album title and the industry adulation, the toy mouse pushed me over the edge, and the cynical hack in me waited poised, claws sharpened and ready to pounce.

Inside the house of Mau5, fans wearing homemade masks jostled for position. Zimmerman strode onstage to a huge cheer, wearing a massive, neon mouse head with flashing strobe eyes. From the thundering bass of openers “Brazil” and “Complicated”, it was obvious that Deadmau5 would exceed my expectations. The live show format allowed for superb effects, the lights synchronised to complement every beat. The music was technically polished, intelligent yet shamelessly fun. Deftly segueing from “Star 69” (a nod to us Brightonians) through Daft Punk via Muse, the crowd didn’t get a chance to say, “How on earth did he do that?” As I left Digital, I felt I hadn’t just been to see a DJ, I had been treated to a spectacle. Hell, I might even buy the t-shirt. Deadmau5? No flies on him.

Words by Helen Bosher
Photography by Sam Hiscox