John Garratt: Together, “Mutant” and “Standard” are an oxymoron. But then again, this is Oneohtrix Point Never we’re talking about here and this track is a far more enticing introduction to the Garden of Delete album than the previously-released “I Bite Through It”. Sure, it’s long, but can you really pinpoint any truly wasted moments? [8/10]
Brian Duricy: The best Oneohtrix Point Never songs contain multiple parts that make up a disjointed whole. On “Mutant Standard”, the latest release from Garden of Delete, four distinct portions of the song coalesce behind a singular theme: uptempo synths that crash and twinkle and elicit a manic hopefulness. [7/10]
Kevin Korber: “Mutant Standard” is a lost track, composed and recorded as if Daniel Lopatin is trying to connect with the aimless teenagers whose voices he samples. Lopatin is no stranger to this method of looping, as anyone familiar with his work as Chuck Person will tell you. However, Lopatin doesn’t give you the time to contemplate his samples, fading them out almost as quickly as they appear in the day-glo wash surrounding them. That wouldn’t be so bad if Lopatin’s composition wasn’t as disjointed as it is here, but as it stands, “Mutant Standard” is more interesting as a concept than as a finished product. [5/10]
Dustin Ragucos: What is the mutant standard? From the track, the criteria must include thick beats ricocheting along the walls of your ears better than any ASMR video could. The standard also includes portions of the ether seeping in from a crack in the wall. Oh, and one can’t forget that it should sound like something from an N64 Bomberman game. Finally, it’s urgency should be… Nevermind. Screw it. Whatever “Mutant Standard” is — whatever its rubric lays out — Oneohtrix Point Never nail it, probably pursuing something like the Cyborg Standard while looking at their marks. [8/10]
Steve Horowitz: “You were sleeping” — a statement or a question? Can’t be sure. Wondering what’s going on with the incessant activity, snatches of conversation, nature sounds, the machinery of contemporary life. The music creates a world where anything is possible but nothing really matters. It’s too cold to be interactive and too hot to be atmosphere. [5/10]