Oneohtrix Point Never “Problem Areas”

05 Aug 2013 — Evelyn Malinowski

As if to compensate for his hitherto vaporous, non-beaty discography, a Noreaster of albums, Oneohtrix Point Never's preview track off of the anticipated R Plus Seven verifies the continuation of rhythmical sound and acute percussiveness. That said, it seems as if the temperature is beginning to rise after this series of gloomy storms. 

"Problem Areas," like songs such as "Up" and "Nassau" from Replica, convey a choppy restlessness which serves sparsely as a beat. However, the new track's flow is agreeably more, well, bouncy, and driven. With a title such as "Problem Areas," the A.D.D. soundscape unique to OPN is thus acknowledged in words; it also allows for a hyperactive influence of hip-hop, experimental, metal, classical music to shine through. The vocal samples in particular convey a nostalgia for 90s hip-hop, perhaps even sample-happy drum-n-bass drops before punching builds. The child-like voices strobe through metallic and clever motion, similar to Evian Christ's "Fuck It None of Ya'll Don't Rap," or, to take a risk, Hive's "Ultrasonic Sound," as well as hundreds of others. The dischord of the video gamer's midnight shift belies the curiosity of the melodic-complex confronted immediately at the start of the song, making for a dynamic and rapid three minutes. Above all else, the rather thick bassline gives away the drum-n-bass as well as implies the approaching hot weather. I'm eager to hear what else is in store.

R Plus Seven is out September 30/October 1 on Warp Records.