Xeno and Oaklander – ‘Via Negativa’ album review: bridging past, present, and future
THE SKINNY: It’s difficult to balance minimalism with nuance in the broader category of electronic dark wave. Yet, somehow, that’s exactly what Xeno & Oaklander achieve in their latest album, Via Negativa. Over a decade on, this duo accomplishes the seemingly impossible by providing sounds that consistently feel fresh and exciting while paying homage to the beauty of times gone by.
It’s easy to describe the countless influences that permeate the walls of Via Negativa, but it’s difficult to pinpoint how these various sensibilities are executed with such originality and authority. Then again, this has always been the strong suit of Xeno & Oaklander, also known as Liz Wendelbo and Sean McBride. After all, within their icy beats and monotonous vocals, the unpredictability lies in their subtle shifts, with familiar synthpop, coldwave, and darkwave elements weaving into something that bridges past, present, and future.
In Via Negativa, Wendelbo and McBride execute the pulsating beats and atmospheric melodies you will likely expect, but with more focus on offering a commanding presence. However, with this, they also toy with spaciousness to emit a certain level of experimental effortlessness, blending melancholy and iciness with subtle notes of playfulness.
Although meticulous and nuanced, the layers do not distract from the duo’s signature simplicity; instead, they enhance the ambience without overwhelming too much. That said, some notes appear distant in a way that could disengage, but for the most part, they ultimately contribute to the album’s overarching hypnotic pull, encouraging focus and purpose without too much command.
For fans of: Depeche Mode’s deep cuts.
A concluding comment from a museum curator: “Points for precision and use of vintage analogue equipment, but I can’t shake the fact that it sounds like watching paint dry.”
Via Negativa track by track:
Release Date: November 15th | Producer: Liz Wendelbo and Sean McBride | Label: Dais
‘Via Negativa’: The retro-futuristic pull exists immediately in this opener and the title track as both voices work together, creating rich textures amid the minimalism. There’s a subtle dissonance, but only the kind that exists between past and future, creating a distance that sometimes benefits the sound while hindering its appeal. [3/5]
‘Mercury Mind’: There’s an unmissably dark thread to ‘Mercury Mind’ that sometimes veers into playfulness, showcasing Xeno & Oaklander’s signature blend of simplicity and subdued, melodic charm. The track moves with confidence, emitting yet again a sense of emotional distance that feels completely futuristic with a subtle note of nostalgia. [3/5]
‘The Unknown Side’: Moving with distinctive tones and shapes only Xeno & Oaklander could create, this track makes it clear from the outset that its direction will be unpredictable and exist along lines parallel to many other electronic trailblazers while still feeling completely original and authentic. [3/5]
‘Lost & There’: Crooning with endearing monotony, ‘Lost & There’ evokes a similar charm to Dave Gahan-esque dark energy, creating a sound that feels both sinister and seductive, with an added aspect of mystery that allows space for unsuspecting melancholy to emerge. [3/5]
‘Actor’s Foil’: This dark and playfulness emerges from oscillating beats and robotic chants, creating a tension that feels far from human yet vintage and nostalgic all the same. In music, nostalgia is often blinding, but in this case, it echoes within the track with a detached self-awareness, showcasing Xeno & Oaklander’s ability to blend authenticity with broodiness. [3/5]
‘Magic of the Manifold’: Evoking notes similar to the 1980s gothic darkwave, ‘Magic of the Manifold’ emerges with shadowy synth layers and well-paced, haunting vocals, evoking memories and imagery akin to hazy night, surrounded by strobe lights and smoke-filled dance floors. [3/5]
‘O Vermillion’: The dark, driving beat of ‘O Vermillion’ is the star of this sensual and hypnotic track, guiding you forward like a heartbeat, building tension with ease while the accompanying arrangements consistently drift between artificiality and authenticity. [3/4]
‘Strange Fellows’: Xeno & Oaklander are constantly celebrated for their minimalism, which sometimes means their sophistication gets overlooked. However, tracks like ‘Strange Fellows’ prove that they can be both meticulous and straightforward, with a sound that incorporates carefully placed notes without too much restraint, allowing just enough space to make it feel completely spontaneous. [3/5]
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