THE OSCILLATION
DRONEWEAPON
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 1/2 CONTINOUS VERSION
Phase 1 (excerpt)
Phase 2 (excerpt)
Over the duration of its lifetime, The Oscillation has come to be recognised as one of the leading lights in contemporary psychedelia. Fuelled by a restless desire to push ever further forward, The Oscillation’s explorations into the furthest reaches of music, sound and sonic dynamics have ensured a back catalogue where no two albums sound the same.
Continuing its ongoing trajectory, The Oscillation is back with ‘Droneweapon’. Released on 7th August as a strictly limited-edition album of just 100 copies, this highly collectable artefact is made up of two 22-minute drones that sooth, undulate and caress. Incrementally increasing its intensity with deft subtly, the beguiling washes of ‘Droneweapon’ provide the ideal soundtrack for those seeking solace, contemplation and peace through meditation or other means.
“Unlike previous releases by The Oscillation, ‘Droneweapon’ is intended more as a panacea,” explains mainman Demian Castellanos. “This is music that works as a sonic balm, to help bring about an inner calm and a realisation that we’re not alone in facing whatever it is that the world throws at us.”
‘Droneweapon’ was recorded as a response to the sense of disconnect felt by Demian Castellanos on a trip away from home.
“I recorded four tracks of drone on a keyboard through phasers and tremolo pedals,” says Castellanos as he recalls ‘Droneweapon’’s creation. “I recorded the initial composition on a Fostex four-track cassette recorder as I like the limitations it imposes. This was transferred to ProTools where all the source sounds were sent through more outboard effects units.”
The album’s sumptuous artwork - created by visual artist Antonio Curcetti - is bolstered by idiosyncratic liner notes that have been specially created to guide the listener through the ‘Droneweapon’ experience. Special videos by Antonio Curcetti will also accompany the release of ‘Droneweapon’.
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Droneweapon was recorded in a Torquay bed and breakfast in 2019. I took down a 4-track cassette recorder, some synthesisers and effects pedals. Wishing to get away from the dynamics, confusion and emotional content of songwriting, I wanted to make something simple, harmonically up-lifting and as free as possible from the mind and thought. I recorded 2 synths and split each signal twice sending each of the signals through separate phaser and tremolo pedals to the 4 inputs on the cassette machine. The original recording was 47 minutes and imported into Protools for further mixing, panning and all processing was done via outboard effects. This vinyl version is a different mix to the original and is split into “Phase 1” and “Phase 2”. “Phase 1” is a simpler mix introducing pitch shifting delays and reverb and gentle phasing. “Phase 2” inverts the panning whilst the effects increase in volume and intensity.
This record was inspired by “Ecstasy In Slow Motion” by Spacemen 3
Big love and thanks to all my friends and family
Dedicated to Sonic Boom and lovers of drone
Released by All Time Low/Out Of Phase Recordings
theoscillation.bandcamp.com