VAAGUE traverses the realms of club music, drum-and-bass, ambient soundscapes, and jazz.
Belgian drummer and producer Antoine Pierre, known for his VAAGUE project, has finally unleashed his debut album “Oktopus Mekaniks” on October 18.
After receiving critical praise for his two EPs, collaborations with genre-blurring artists like Le Motel and Dorian Dumont, and a series of eclectic performances, Pierre has emerged with a full-length record that fuses the vibrancy of live instrumentation with the sharp edges of electronic music.
“Oktopus Mekaniks” is a bold, genre-defying album that traverses the realms of club music, drum-and-bass, ambient soundscapes, and jazz.
“Oktopus Mekaniks” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a statement. Pierre proves with this album that he’s a master at crafting complex, layered soundscapes that are both danceable and introspective. The album title itself evokes images of a deep-sea adventure, and that’s exactly what listeners can expect: a dive into the depths of Pierre’s musical imagination.
The newest single, “Prospekt Park,” is a perfect example of VAAGUE’s versatility. Starting with a dreamy atmosphere but quickly building up to an energetic climax, it works equally well on the dancefloor and in headphones. With “Prospekt Park,” VAAGUE gave us a taste of the full album’s range and depth, just a few weeks before the album release.
“Oktopus Mekaniks” is a masterclass in genre fluidity. From the deep dub vibes of “Typhoon” to the atmospheric, vocal-driven “We’ll See” featuring Anna McLuckie, the album traverses an impressive range. It moves effortlessly between ambient soundscapes, jungle grooves, and pulsating club music, all anchored by Pierre’s powerful drumming.
For fans of artists like Squarepusher, Luke Vibert, and Machinedrum, “Oktopus Mekaniks” is an essential listen. Antoine Pierre’s mastery in combining club music with jazz elements, ninja-like drum patterns, and a relentlessly innovative spirit makes this album a valuable addition to any eclectic music collection.
Stream “Oktopus Mekaniks” on Bandcamp, Spotify and Apple Music.
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Photo credit: Raminta Ceponyte
