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Taylor Deupree, "Focux"
Before establishing himself as a pioneer of organic electronic music via solo work and running the 12k label, Taylor Deupree was one of the leaders of the glitch sub-sub-genre of dance music. Here, three 12" singles from 2000-2001 are compiled, with a few bonus tracks, and demonstrate that even in those early days of his career, he could weave sounds together into tapestries that sound like no one else.
While I was never a zealous follower of the genre during its heyday, I must say that unlike many other forms of danceable music, Deupree’s work has stood the test of time, and doesn't sound extremely dated or "vintage."For example, the stiff beat and subtle clicks of "08-3" could be culled from an album recorded this year and it would still work just as well.
Admittedly, there is some similarity between Deupree’s work and contemporaneous stuff from the Chain Reaction label: a pinnacle of sparse, but danceable music.The 4/4 thump beat and aquatic house music synth stabs of the title track are reminiscent of Monolake and their ilk, but in a good way.The danceable chirps and squeaks of "Sp-Er" also fit this mold, coming together nicely but not having as much of an individual voice.
The best moments are when Deupree perverts the standard formula of the genre, such as the pairing of house elements with unnaturally processed, but rhythmic, sonic textures.It’s a combination that effortlessly straddles that line between the conventional and familiar, and the innovative.
What also becomes noticeable, listening to this after being familiar with his more recent work, is how elements of his current work crop up here and there amidst the thumping beats.For example, the oddly timbered music box loops of "3-8" convey that same electronic/organic synthesis of sound that he (and his label) do better than anyone else.
While many of these tracks are compositionally simple (and occasionally repetitive), they either have enough variation within them, or are short enough to not overstay their welcome.I personally think he did the right thing evolving his craft as he did, since sticking with this blueprint would have become tedious by now. As a window into the past, it is a great demonstration of an artist developing his craft, and a damn fine compilation as well.
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