Chattanooga Pulse

Oneohtrix Point Never
Returnal
(Editions Mego)

Perhaps the laziest criticism of Lou Reed’s controversial and abrasive album Metal Machine Music is that it is “just noise.”  Details are there for those who listen closely, although, generally, listeners are not used to having to do so for harsh, loud music.  Such is the case for the opening track, “Nil Admirari,” on the new album Returnal by Oneohtrix Point Never, the one-man project of Brooklyn-based musician Daniel Lopatin.  It’s an arresting, disquieting opener, with a complicated mix of processed static, alerting beeps, manipulated yells, and other destroyed sounds.

There are different bustling activities happening at various frequencies, and actually, hearing this song on speakers while walking around, occasionally going outside the listening room, can help different subtle elements emerge; for example, there’s a low tone that forms a compelling beat in the middle of the piece, which might not be apparent when facing the full brunt of the song.

While a gripping track, it’s not representative of most of the album, which leans more toward the synth-space-drone side of things; the second track, “Describing Bodies,” is another highlight, with ambient layers and more »