The first album in 1989 combining the squall of bands like The Birthday Party with elements of free jazz and musique concrète from Oxbow, Fuckfest, met with international success and created a small but loyal following that has grown ever since.
Followed in 1992 by King of the Jews. The menacing The Balls in the Great Meat Grinder Collection also appeared in 1992, and after 1995's Steve Albini-produced Let Me Be a Woman Oxbow signed to the SST label for 1997's Serenade in Red, which featured guest vocals from Marianne Faithfull.
They released a split EP with the Italian band White Tornado in 1999, followed by An Evil Heat in 2002. The compilation Love That's Last: A Wholly Hypnographic and Disturbing Work Regarding Oxbow arrived in 2006.
Wenner has also played with God and Swell.
The original lineup:
Eugene S. Robinson - vocals;
Niko Wenner - guitars, keyboards;
Dan Adams - bass guitar, keyboards;
Greg Davis - drums, percussion.
Former members:
Tom Dobrov - drums.
http://www.theoxbow.com
Host
Oxbow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
sunk around by silk
and smoothed out over the oldest ebony
It lives in you.
Or the other way around.
This abiding interest in how that which is eaten is eaten
You like breathing? Then keep eating.
Love, Lust, God, End. Debatable points all.
Sitting at the head of a table pre and post fall
where if this is where you sat
you would be primed to eat
all kinds of meat, sweet meat
and the gloom of days and nights that
are exactly the same: brimming over with success
and expecting no less
it's creature comfort for creatures who comfort
and worry robes, shapes, shadows, clocks
and casino politics
that whisper: surrender. Surrender.
Because it feels good to do just this
a ring, a kiss
Just this
The lyrics to Oxbow's song "Host" seem to explore the concept of consumption and the interconnectedness between the self and external forces. The opening lines suggest a sense of entanglement, with the singer being submerged in something soft and smooth. There is a suggestion that whatever this entity is, it exists within the individual or vice versa. The phrase "This abiding interest in how that which is eaten is eaten" could be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of existence. It questions how we consume and are consumed by various aspects of life.
The following lines draw attention to the basic need for sustenance, linking it to the act of breathing. The singer suggests that if you enjoy breathing, you must continue to consume, implying that the act of eating is essential for survival. The lyrics then touch upon more abstract concepts such as love, lust, God, and the end, presenting them as debatable points, likely highlighting the subjective nature of these topics.
Moving on, the lyrics describe a scene at a table where someone is positioned to eat meat. This imagery may symbolize human desires and primal instincts. The mention of the "gloom of days and nights that are exactly the same" suggests a sense of monotony and perhaps a longing for something different or more meaningful. However, this is juxtaposed with the idea of success that overflows and an expectation of nothing less. It implies that despite the repetitive nature of life, there is still a pursuit of accomplishments and material rewards.
The final lines of the song touch upon the idea of seeking comfort in the familiarity of routine and engaging with external influences such as politics. The whispered suggestion to surrender may be a commentary on the appeal of giving in to these forces and finding pleasure or security in doing so. The song ends with the notion that there is satisfaction in focusing on the present moment, capturing a sense of simplicity and intimacy through the imagery of a ring and a kiss.
Overall, "Host" seems to delve into themes of consumption, desire, routine, and surrender, offering a complex exploration of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
At the gray bottom
In a state of despair or hopelessness
sunk around by silk
Surrounded or trapped by luxury or comfort
and smoothed out over the oldest ebony
Covered and hidden by darkness and time
It lives in you.
Referring to a deep-seated emotion or desire
Or the other way around.
Suggesting the reciprocal influence between oneself and their emotions
This abiding interest in how that which is eaten is eaten
A fascination with the consumption and experience of food
You like breathing? Then keep eating.
Eating is essential for survival, just like breathing
Love, Lust, God, End. Debatable points all.
The concepts of love, lust, god, and death are open to interpretation and discussion
Sitting at the head of a table pre and post fall
Being in a position of power or authority before and after a downfall or loss
where if this is where you sat
Referring to a specific seat of privilege or influence
you would be primed to eat
You would be prepared or inclined to indulge in various pleasures
all kinds of meat, sweet meat
Enjoying various pleasures and indulgences
and the gloom of days and nights that
The sadness or darkness experienced in everyday life
are exactly the same: brimming over with success
Despite the darkness, there is a sense of achievement or accomplishment
and expecting no less
Having high expectations or standards
it's creature comfort for creatures who comfort
Finding solace or comfort in the comforts of life
and worry robes, shapes, shadows, clocks
Concerning oneself with appearances, time, and uncertainties
and casino politics
The deceptive and manipulative nature of power dynamics
that whisper: surrender. Surrender.
The forces or pressures that urge one to give up or submit
Because it feels good to do just this
Finding pleasure or satisfaction in surrendering
a ring, a kiss
Symbolic acts of intimacy and connection
Just this
Focusing on the present moment or immediate experience
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: EMILY CHRISTINE DAVIS, JORGE EDUARDO TORRES, JOSE ALBERTO MACIAS, TOMAS TINAJERO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
k b
The slow parts with xylophones give me HUGE gy!be vibes, absolutely love this song! This is the most Hydra Head Records song ever, like what do I think of when I think of Hydra Head? This (huge sounding, epic in scale, and thought provoking!)
Aaron SBT
I want to be reincarnated as part feral wolf and part Eugene Robinson.
Morons MORONS!
Isn't that the same?
Max Minimalist
Awesome! seeing them tonight!
Loss Orderly
Guys ooze class on all sides
cesmeta
awesome as usual
flutterface
Hey nice, there's a Thin Black Book at 2:44. Absolutely worth what I paid for mine.
Maxwell Despard
i am indeed a fan of mine, as well.
Pete MacDonald
beautiful!
third major
Album cover art periods, black & white movies of the day, It's what I want as an artist.