Crack

16/20

Oneohtrix Point Never began life in a galaxy far removed from the one you and I inhabit, and aided only by a super charged space pod and intergalactic space drugs became Daniel Lopatin, a ‘human being’ who now resides in uber-hip Brooklyn. OK, I might not be telling the truth, but it’s just too unlikely that a mere mortal could create an album like Replica. I don’t say this because I think it’s the greatest album ever, nor do I think it’s the most innovative. It’s just that the producer revels in (almost) humorous noises (is that a beat boxing android on Sleep Dealer anyone?) and challenging, mind-melting drone in a way that is surely too postmodern for such ignorant organisms as ourselves to comprehend, let alone create.

It can’t be ignored that Lopatin comes with his fair share of hype and it’s not undeserved, but it is pretty unexpected. This record would mystify most people, especially with tracks like Child Soldier, which verges on the unlistenable but is just fascinating enough to be appreciated by those with the time and the patience to listen to it that bit more intently. 'Fascinating' is the best word for Replica; it’s not easy, but it’s completely worth pushing past the compulsion to disregard it as just another imposing bit of drone for muso chin strokers.

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Words: Billy Black