Xeno & Oaklander’s Via Negativa Pushes Minimal Synth Boundaries with Futuristic Elegance
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Xeno & Oaklander, the pioneering electronic duo from Brooklyn, continues to redefine the landscape of minimal synth music with their latest release, Via Negativa (in the doorway light). Known for their deep-rooted commitment to analog technology and cold wave aesthetics, Liz Wendelbo and Sean McBride have been instrumental in reviving the synth-wave movement since the early 2000s. Over the years, their innovative approach to analog gear and meticulous attention to sonic detail have earned them comparisons to acts like John Foxx and Cabaret Voltaire. With this eighth studio album, the duo creates a bridge between retro-futuristic soundscapes and introspective lyricism, solidifying their place as leading figures in electronic music.
The album, recorded in their Connecticut home studio, kicks off with the title track, immersing listeners in a lush world of swirling synthesizers and ethereal vocals. From the very start, Via Negativa reveals the duo’s knack for creating atmospheres that are at once haunting and captivating. Each track explores a different narrative, drawing inspiration from both modern-day reflections and mythical themes. This ability to weave complex storytelling into their music is reminiscent of artists like Gary Numan, who also blends synthetic soundscapes with deeply personal and dystopian tales. Throughout the album, Wendelbo’s delicate voice complements McBride’s intricate synth arrangements, creating a hypnotic listening experience.
One of the standout elements of Via Negativa is its seamless integration of analog and modular synthesizers, alongside an inventive use of sound manipulation. Tracks like “O Vermillion” and “Actor’s Foil” demonstrate how Xeno & Oaklander have evolved their sound, merging the stark minimalism of cold wave with more dynamic and expansive sonic textures. Their emphasis on using analog gear, with minimal post-production, is similar to the approaches of other analog enthusiasts like Daniel Miller (The Normal). By keeping their production raw and organic, the duo invites listeners into a more intimate and immersive sonic environment, where every note feels carefully crafted and intentional.
Thematically, the album explores the tension between technology and emotion, a hallmark of Xeno & Oaklander’s work. The contrasting elements of industrial noise and human vulnerability are prevalent throughout the record, particularly in tracks like “Lost & There” and “The Present Tense.” The use of bilingual lyrics and layered vocals further deepens the emotional resonance of the songs, drawing comparisons to the layered vocal styles of bands like Cocteau Twins. As with their previous work, Via Negativa leaves space for interpretation, allowing listeners to get lost in its atmospheric depths while uncovering new meanings with each listen.
With Via Negativa, Xeno & Oaklander continue to push the boundaries of minimal synth, creating a sonic journey that feels both futuristic and timeless. Their dedication to analog processes, combined with their ability to fuse narrative depth into their music, makes this album a standout in their impressive discography. For fans of electronic music, this release is a testament to the enduring power of analog synths and the duo’s ability to innovate within the genre.
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