Muuixx by Joyful Talk is experimental in the strict sense that it's very unique and uses one-of-a-kind instruments and compositional techniques, but has none of the sonic tension that characterizes most experimental music. It is almost, but not quite, a pop dance album.
Joyful Talk is one of the personas of Canadian musician, Jay Crocker. Cocker's musical interests are diverse; as a guitarist and singer, he has explored areas as divergent as pop and free jazz. Muuixx is as far from either of those poles as they are from one another. As Joyful Talk, Crocker dives headlong into danceable electronic music, featuring 14 handmade instruments, and an individualized, circular composing method. The album is definitely electronic music, is definitely danceable, but is definitely not stereotypical electronic dance music.
The fundamental sound of Muuixxis a quirky, fun, dance feel featuring analog sounds reminiscent of the early 80s, mixed with acoustic instruments and strange noises that emerge from who knows where. Contrasting with this foundation are moments of thick harmony and occasional drones.
Though highly repetitive, Crocker avoided loops and samples in the recording studio. Instead, he carefully composed every note and performed them by hand. Careful listening reveals that while ideas reemerge over and over, they are typically subtle mutations rather than literal restatements. This separates the sound and craftsmanship of the album from average dance music. A fun and light-hearted release, while also functioning as a substantial artistic statement.
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