Audiopile Review: In 2007, the Parisian-based producer Onra seemingly appeared out of nowhere with his debut album, Chinoiseries. It was instantly beloved, spawning two sequels, a host of imitators, and would go on to become an early milestone in the so-called “lo-fi” beats movement. All three volumes eventually went OOP, garnering serious money on the secondhand market. For the uninitiated, Chinoiseries was the result of a trip to his grandparents birthplace in Vietnam, where Onra scooped up regional folk and pop records, chopping them up into a hip-hop album that was like the ghost of the country’s past coming back to life in the form of MPC beats. Eventually Onra spent a few years living in Thailand, once again, scouring the country for used Thai records to shape into new forms. Onra has somehow kept Nosthaigia in his back pocket for most of the last decade, recording the album in 2017, just around the time of the third and final entry of the Chinoiseries. Culled entirely from seven inch singles, Onra once again finds a way to excise the soul of these old records, crafting temporal vignettes and bite-sized hip-hop nuggets that keep the spirit of the sources alive while marking them with his dusty fingerprints. Crooning vocalists are perched atop Onra’s deftly crafted loops of strings, piano and the occasional wavering synth, everything given a bump with his impeccable drum breaks, the album swirling in the hiss and crackle of the well-worn 45s. Fans of Chinoiseries are undoubtedly gonna flip for this, but it’s also the perfect gateway to Onra’s world.

The genesis of “Nosthaigia” is as fascinating as the music itself. Onra spent several years living in Thailand, immersing himself in the vibrant culture and scouring local record shops for rare gems. The result is a collection of Thai songs from various genres, all sourced on 7 inches. These short instrumentals serve as time capsules, transporting listeners to a bygone era filled with nostalgia and longing.

Produced entirely on the MPC1000 in 2017 and revisited in 2020, “Nosthaigia” is a testament to the power of serendipity and artistic evolution. What began as a casual exploration of unfamiliar musical territory blossomed into a deeply personal and meaningful project for Onra. Amidst a series of unfortunate life events, he found solace and inspiration in the beats he had crafted years prior.

Each track on “Nosthaigia” is a reflection of his journey, a sonic expression of longing and introspection. Onra describes the process of creating the album as a cathartic release, a way of letting go of old memories and embracing the present.

Despite the somber undertones, there is a quiet beauty to “Nosthaigia” that is impossible to ignore. Onra’s vintage production skills breathe life into each track, infusing them with warmth and depth. From the haunting melodies of “Until The End” to the hypnotic rhythms of “Close Your Eyes And Remember” every moment feels poignant.

In the end, “Nosthaigia” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the human experience. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found, if only we’re willing to listen.