Oneohtrix Point Never “Again” Album Review

Again

Oneohtrix Point Never

• Genre: Electronic
• Date: 29 Sep, 2023
• Content: Not-explicit
• Track(s): 13
• ℗ 2023 Ridge Valley Digital under exclusive licence to Warp Records Limited

On September 29, Daniel Lopatin, known as Oneohtrix Point Never returned to the scene with his latest album, “Again.” He had last released an album in 2020, his ninth. It was titled “Never,” and the record was strongly inspired by Magic 106.7 and was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown. It also featured vocals from Lopatin and focused on his songwriting skills, which we don’t get to witness much of.

The Weeknd served as an executive producer and also collaborated with him on it. Caroline Polachek, Arca, and Nolanberollin were also credited as collaborators. With the new “Again” album, Oneohtrix Point Never takes a different route to make his listeners feel things as raw as they should be.

Speaking to The Line Of Best Fit about what moves him to create so relentlessly, he said he had “been thinking about that recently.” And continued, “I feel like I’ve lived a kind of interesting life, and so it makes it possible to make interesting things. Sometimes, when I’m in a trough of enchantment things get a little dangerous when I lose interest in myself or something like that – when I don’t feel any inclination to make my own music. But over the years, it has just been really great.” The new album is obviously a return to cosmic sounds, and it feels like he has a foot in the past while facing the future.

Cover Art

Every fan of Oneohtrix Point Never knows he does not disappoint in his album artworks. It feels as though his mind conjures some of the most vivid images that summarize the album in the best way. The artwork for “Again” depicts a sculpture created by Norwegian artist Matias Faldbakken. The artwork was photographed by Vegard Kleven, who, of course, did a fantastic job.

Popular Tracks

While some would rely on popular singles to sell their albums, Daniel Lopatin is a different artist. He first announced the album on his social media on August 23rd by sharing a 70-second trailer. Shot in New York City, the video featured a man-on-the-street style and included strangers trying to pronounce the name “Oneohtrix.”

He also set up a hotline for fans to call him and ask questions. Then, he dropped the first and only single for the album “A Barely Lit Path” on August 29. It remains the most popular song on the project, followed by “Memories Of Music,” “Again,” and “Elseware,” which have become fan favorites.

Tracklist & Features

The new “Again” album houses 13 tracks without any guest features. Oneohtrix Point Never did most of the work himself, including the songwriting, production, and performance. Nathan Salon appears as a credited songwriter on a few of the tracks. It is also impressive how the tracks are listed. They almost take you through a journey of discovery, life, and emotions. You can see Lopatin’s childhood mind and his mind as a grown man. We are guessing no one could have told the story better than him, hence the no features.

Tracklist

NO	TITLE	TIME
1	Elseware	1:55
2	Again	4:44
3	World Outside	3:48
4	Krumville	4:43
5	Locrian Midwest	4:28
6	Plastic Antique	4:30
7	Gray Subviolet	2:45
8	The Body Trail	4:32
9	Nightmare Paint	4:18
10	Memories of Music	6:04
11	On an Axis	3:46
12	Ubiquity Road	4:58
13	A Barely Lit Path	6:15

Summary

With the “Again” album, Daniel’s vision for what music is and should be comes to life. The project is set on the foundation of all he has ever learned and hopes to discover in his journey. He told The Line Of Best Fit that while creating the album, “I was really open, a sponge, delighted by possibility – and I had no idea what I was doing.”

We must say, it turned out great for someone who had no idea what they were doing. You must know this album will make you feel things, from wonder, to deep pain, and everything your tiny heart desires or beats away from. Shout out to a generational genius.

Stream