''While(1<2)'' (stylized in all lowercase; pronounced "while one is less than two") is the seventh studio album by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5, released on June 17, 2014 by Mau5trap, Virgin EMI and Astralwerks, his only album to be released by the latter.
The album is a notable departure from the bass-heavy, upbeat template of his previous work, instead foraying in a more experimental direction, with tones of downtempo and ambient music. Many of the songs on the album were originally uploaded to Deadmau5's SoundCloud account before they were removed from the site in early 2014.
The album received a positive reception from critics, who applauded its experimental nature, although some viewed this as its weak point. It peaked at number 9 on the ''Billboard'' 200, becoming his second top-ten album.
Background
On January 7, 2014, Deadmau5 announced on
Twitter
Twitter is an online social media and social networking service owned and operated by American company Twitter, Inc., on which users post and interact with 280-character-long messages known as "tweets". Registered users can post, like, and ...
that his seventh album was completed. He also announced that it was a double album containing a continuous mix for each disc and that the album as a whole, minus the mixes, would contain 25 tracks. On May 10, 2014, ''While(1<2)'' was officially unveiled by Deadmau5 through his subscription service, and also announced the album's digital release date of June 17, 2014 with a physical release on June 24.
Singles
The first single "Avaritia" became available for purchase on May 20, 2014. One week later, the second single " Seeya", featuring singer
Colleen D'Agostino
Colleen Marie D'Agostino is an American musician and singer-songwriter from Simi Valley, California. In 2005, while attending San Diego State University she formed The Material. They released their first EP entitled ''Tomorrow'' on September 1, ...
from the band
The Material
The Material is an American rock band from San Diego, California. Colleen D'Agostino (vocals) moved to San Diego to pursue a music degree at San Diego State University. In her third year, she began playing with Jon Moreaux (guitar) and Noah ...
, was made available for purchase on iTunes. On 2 June 2014, the third single "
Infra Turbo Pigcart Racer
"Infra Turbo Pigcart Racer" is a song by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5, released as the third single from his seventh studio album '' While(1 album title goes here album title goes here <'' at
" premiered on mau5trap's SoundCloud page. It was made available for download on iTunes and Beatport the next day. The album's fourth and final single, "
Phantoms Can't Hang
"Phantoms Can't Hang" is a song by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5, released as the fourth and final single from his seventh studio album '' While(1<2)'' on June 10, 2014.
Background and release
This song was or ...
", was also premiered through SoundCloud the day before its release on iTunes and Beatport which was on 10 June 2014.
Critical reception
''While(1<2)'' received favorable reviews from critics. It currently holds a score of 66 on
Metacritic
Metacritic is a website that aggregates reviews of films, TV shows, music albums, video games and formerly, books. For each product, the scores from each review are averaged (a weighted average). Metacritic was created by Jason Dietz, Marc ...
, indicating "generally favourable reviews". '' Billboard'' gave the album 4.5/5 stars stating "Sprawling, ambitious and mostly well-executed, "''While(1<2)'' may confuse his fan base's Ultra-attending electro house contingent, but Deadmau5's double album undoubtedly marks his most mature and forward-thinking release to date".
AllMusic
AllMusic (previously known as All-Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the dat ...
also reviewed positively expressing "''While(1<2)'' is a very good, very restrained, and very inspired Deadmau5 effort. It is a welcome space-walk surprise, recommended for all aspiring EDM astronauts and Ghost in the Shell cast members", with a score of 3.5/5 stars.
''
Rolling Stone
''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first known for its co ...
'' was more critical of the album, stating "Deadmau5 has turned from an electro-house polymath into the world's most unnecessary Nine Inch Nails tribute act", giving it 2 stars out of 5. ''
Slant Magazine
''Slant Magazine'' is an American online publication that features reviews of movies, music, TV, DVDs, theater, and video games, as well as interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. The site covers various film festivals like the New Yo ...
'' was equally critical saying "Deadmau5 enters the fray with the advantage of deeply diminished expectations. His latest, ''While(1<2)'', comfortably clears the bar set by his contemporaries, and that would be impressive if the bar wasn't buried underground", also awarding it 2 stars.
Track listing
Note
*Some physical copies of the album, including the vinyl version, feature the full version of "Infra Turbo Pigcart Racer", which is 10:36. The promotional single for the song also features this full version.