808 Punk is an audacious 2015 electronic punk record from hip-hop beatmaker OCnotes. He distorts and twists his Roland TR-808 drum machine in ways never intended. That’s why I love OC’s discography so much–you rarely anticipate the directions he’ll take you. “808 Punk” is filled with distorted vocals, armies of machine gun snares, blips and bleeps. It’s a 12-song, 21-minute burst of sonic energy, retaining a melodic core. Standout track “Valerie & Mindy” could be mistaken for a lost tune from Lou Reed. This is music that’s present and alive.

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