The Oscillation, a London-based outfit known for crossing all the possible boundaries of psychedelic and experimental rock, returns with its latest offering, The Start of The End. Over the years, this excellent artist has made a name for himself by blending genres like krautrock, post-punk, drone, and ambient into immersive sonic experiences. With this new album, The Oscillation has created a body of work that not only stays true to his experimental roots but also feels like a sonic reawakening. The Start of The End is an album that journeys through both the dark and the light, exploring themes of hope, rebirth, and introspection while delivering some of his most expansive and lush compositions to date. Following the introspective Singularity Zone series, The Start of The End marks a shift in The Oscillation’s approach. This album feels energized, like a breath of fresh air after a period of deep reflection. The artist has retained his signature swirling soundscapes and hypnotic rhythms but added a new sense of purpose and direction to his music. There’s a feeling of optimism that permeates the album, making it feel both expansive and intimate. The tracks unfold with a sense of patience, allowing listeners to be fully absorbed in the experience while the album’s title hints at the cyclical nature of endings and beginnings, indeed, each track feels like part of a larger journey, guiding the listener through different emotional landscapes.
The opening track, War On The Mind, kicks off the album with a mesmerizing fusion of krautrock, post-punk, and psychedelic rock. It sets the tone with driving, motorik rhythms that evoke the spirit of krautrock pioneers while adding the distinct psychedelic flourishes that have become The Oscillation’s hallmark. Guitars swirl in and out of the mix, layered with subtle distortion, creating an atmospheric yet immersive sound. The basslines are vividly hearable, providing the track with a deep, throbbing pulse that anchors the lush, distorted guitars and synths. There’s a touch of post-punk in the sound as well, especially in the vocal delivery, which is both distant and haunting. The interplay between these genres creates a powerful opener that pulls listeners into the album’s intricate web of sound. Faraway showcases The Oscillation’s ability to blend experimental music with more melodic elements, creating a hypnotic and transcendent track. It starts with a gentle, pulsating rhythm, with shimmering synth melodies slowly rising to the surface. As the track progresses, the layers build, and a sense of forward momentum takes hold. The combination of ambient soundscapes, krautrock grooves, and subtle touches of post-rock and drone creates an expansive, otherworldly atmosphere. There’s a feeling of traveling through space and time, as the melodies and rhythms evolve in unexpected ways.
Body Electric brings the krautrock influences back into focus, with a driving, propulsive rhythm that underpins the track. The guitars and synths are layered in such a way that they create a dense, textured sound, while still allowing each element to shine. There’s a certain energy to the track, a sense of urgency that contrasts with the more ambient and meditative moments on the album. The balance between these driving rhythms and the lush, psychedelic melodies is one of the album’s key strengths, and it’s on full display in Body Electric. This track also features a “Magnetic Mix” later in the album, where the ambient and drone elements are brought to the forefront, offering a different, more meditative take on the same themes. For those who enjoy the more ambient and drone-infused aspects of The Oscillation’s music, The Eternal is a standout track. This composition dives deep into the realms of drone and ambient, with layers of synths slowly unfolding over a subtle, half-step, almost industrial rhythm. The synths reign supreme here, creating vast soundscapes that feel ethereal and grounded. It’s a track that invites the listener to lose themselves in its hypnotic repetition, as the layers of sound slowly build and evolve over time. The percussion is minimal but effective, adding just enough structure to keep the track moving without overpowering the delicate synth work.
Mantra takes a slightly different approach, combining lush ambiances with more propelling rhythms. There’s a sense of ritualistic repetition to the track, as the rhythms and melodies loop and evolve, creating a trance-like effect. The use of delicate noise and experimental textures adds an extra layer of depth to the track, making it one of the more intriguing compositions on the album. It’s a perfect example of The Oscillation’s ability to combine elements of drone, krautrock, and experimental rock into something that feels cohesive and purposeful. The title track, The Start Of The End, takes a dive into shoegaze and dream pop territory, with echoic vocals and swirling guitars creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The guitars are lush and distorted, with melodies that seem to float in and out of focus. The synths also play a significant role here, adding depth and texture to the already rich soundscape. The track feels expansive yet intimate, drawing the listener in with its haunting melodies and hypnotic rhythms. It’s a beautiful, meditative piece that captures the essence of the album’s themes of rebirth and transformation. The album continues with Sovereign, a shoegaze-inspired post-rock track where the guitars and synths truly shine. The track feels like a moment of catharsis, with the layers of sound building to a powerful, almost transcendental climax. The vocals are distant and ethereal, blending seamlessly into the lush instrumental backdrop. It’s a fitting end to the album, offering a sense of closure and resolution while leaving enough space for reflection.
The Start of The End is a masterful exploration of sound and emotion. The Oscillation has crafted an exceptional album, drawing on his roots in krautrock, psychedelic rock, and experimental music while pushing the sound into new, uncharted territories. With its lush soundscapes, hypnotic rhythms, and intricate compositions, this album is a fascinating sonic voyage from scratch to finish. The Start of The End is a bold statement from an artist who continues to evolve and push the boundaries of his already intricate and fascinating sound. The album is available on vinyl and CD via The Oscillation Bandcamp page. Don’t miss it!
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