Oneohtrix Point Never

                                                           Replica

                                                            7.8/10

Man. Before I start this review can I just say how bitchin’ that album cover is? Can we all, maybe collectively, just all take a moment and look at it? Yeah. Pretty cool. Anyway, Oneohtrix Point Never is the solo-project of Brooklyn based musician and DJ, Daniel Lopatin. And yes, he’s that dude from Ford & Lopatin, who released their nostalgic debut, Channel Pressures, earlier this year. But when Lopatin goes it alone, his music is much more experimental, drone and gooey but there is still that slight taste of Ford & Lopatin lurking in the mechanics of many of the songs. The samples are darker but the progressions and layered textures of the tracks turn out to be one of the most compelling aspects of Oneohtrix’s sixth studio album, Replica.

The title track is the LP’s best song. A beautiful piano riff is played over echoey sound effects that sound like Lopatin is playing at a ball on Saturn. It’s spacey, haunting but strange enough to keep you interested. “Child Soldier” is another standout and sounds very close to something Ford & Lopatin would put out. It’s built just on samples, looping over and under each other. We hear a vast array of samples ranging from a children’s choir to sounds that sound like a chainsaw and swooping violins. Another loop based track, “Nassau” is a highlight and starts off slightly comical with its gulping voice samples. But a third into the song, an elegant piano riff is looped, tying the track in with the rest of the album. The two opening tracks, “Andro” and “Sleep Dealer” are interesting ear candy and prepare you what Replica has in store for you.

But Replica is not for everyone. If you are into drone, ambient and experimental music then you want to check this out. Things are extremely cohesive here and the production is tight and focused. Things sound so ugly that most of the track do a 360 and become lovely. I imagine this what music would sound like in the not-too-distant-future. Like, it would be played in a castle on some planet we can’t even comprehend right now.  But those who are into structured pop music with easy accessible hooks and melodies then Lopatin’s latest effort may not appeal to you (but it doesn’t hurt to give it a try!). Replica is not an easy album, especially if you don’t have much listening experience with the genre. It can be off putting for some but given the chance, you may discover what treasures the record has to offer. 

Stream Oneohtrix Point Never’s entire album, Replica, below:

Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica by Mexican Summer