As I write this, I am surfing the web, meandering through streams of consciousness and mindlessly consuming mainstream popular culture.  If I want to read about how crack cocaine is made, I can. If I want to read about glass blowing, I can. I have no desire to move to the outback and shoot a kangaroo in order to reach self-actualisation. I have no philosophical agenda; I actively choose to ignore reality for the loving embrace of my laptop. Anyone claiming they do the opposite wouldn’t be reading this review right now.

While you read the above, I just read about French hip hop. I did so not because it is funny, or well written, or even interesting. I read it solely because it exists.

I have similar sentiments towards Replica, the newest offering from sonic wizard Oneohtrix Point Never. An analogue-synth enthusiast living in Brooklyn, OPN has been hailed as a genius of dark, minimalist electronica by the likes of Pitchfork and many others.

Replica is a droning, moody piece of experimental music made from the samples of television commercials. It’s dense and complex, but not necessarily inviting. I will listen, but only because it’s sitting in front of me.

Ryan Lynch

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