Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica

‘Replica’, the sixth album from Brooklyn-based experimental musician Daniel Lopatin, has been described by its composer as ‘an electronic song cycle based around lo-fi audio procured from television advertisement compilations.’ In short then, it is not an album of three minute hands in the air dance floor fillers. Like 2010’s critically acclaimed ‘Returnal’, Lopatin’s latest album as Oneohtrix Point Never is another collection of wonderfully strange, beguiling and beautiful electronica.

It almost seems strange to describe Lopatin as a mere musician as he is more like a sonic scientist carefully assembling his collections of samples, vocal affects and electronic sounds before arranging them into abstract soundscapes and experimental collages of noise. Lopatin’s work is certainly not easily accessible but it is extremely rewarding to those willing to persevere.

Again, like Lopatin’s previous work, ‘Replica’ is almost completely instrumental save for the warped and cut up samples that are scattered throughout. The album begins with the dense and foreboding sound of ‘Andro’ as the subtle melody is gradually submerged by waves of sound. It immediately sets the tone for what is to come. There is a distinctly haunting sound established in the opening two tracks; it is almost as if the album is spooked by a spectral presence.

There is always a danger with music as experimental and oblique as this that it becomes arid and anaemic but Daniel Lopatin’s real gift is his ability to make his music sound so evocative and resonant. There is a real emotion to these instrumental pieces. The mournful trumpets and horns of ’Power Of Persuasion’ create a tremendous feeling of sadness and it really is an emotionally affecting piece of music, a feeling evoked again by the stately piano figure which is the centrepiece of the title track.

‘Replica’ is particularly successful at showing off Lopatin’s impeccable grasp of dynamics and each track is perfectly crafted. Despite the lack of lyrics or vocals or anything discernibly resembling a song in the traditional sense, the album really does take you on a journey. Both ‘Nassau’ and the stunning ‘Up’ see the pace gradually increase featuring glitchy beats and even something resembling some warped tribal drums on the latter track. ‘Child Soldier’ best represents Lopatin’s description of the album with a bewildering array of samples and noises all wonderfully woven into the synth based pattern. Despite the prevailing mood of darkness, the record ends on an uplifting note with the amorphous, symphonic sound of ‘Explain’.

It is an accusation levelled at a lot of experimental electronic music that it is more music to admire than truly feel connected to but Daniel Lopatin has shown his considerable talent for making beautifully enchanting music that you can’t help but immerse yourself in. ’Replica’ may perhaps be the best expression of his talent yet.