Other releases include: EP Vigils (2006, Xanten), single Saracen (2009, Wierd), Sentinelle (2009, Wierd) and Sets & Lights (2011, Wierd). Also, original tracks complied on Music For Ruins (2004, Xanten), Wierd Compilation (2006, Wierd) and Wierd Compilation Vol.II : Analogue Electronic Music 2008 (2008, Wierd).
Special editions include: Movements (June 2015, Ghostly), recorded live at the Xeno & Oaklander analog synth studio in Brooklyn, the 35 minute piece was inspired by travel in space and time. Field recordings gleaned during their travels are mixed in. Movements II (May 2017, Ghostly), released as a cassette available for sale exclusively at concerts on Xeno & Oaklander’s 2017 Spring European Tour, is representing Part 2 of the ambient electronic piece Movements and contains 7 tracks Theriac I, II and III as A side and Movements II A, B, C and D as B side. Moonlight (October 2017) is an evocative synth reverie. The track was originally released on vinyl in association with Electronic Sound magazine.
Sets & Lights
Xeno & Oaklander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sets of Dali
The curtains drawn so many times
The light of Bunuel
The players weary every night
The sets of Dali
They slash their arms, slash their eyes
The light of Bunuel
Hole in your hand
Sheets of gold
Digging the land
Shapes to hold
We are dreaming
A theatre, a stage, the sets, the lights
The sets of Dali
Masking some grand delight
The light of Bunuel
The actors' homemade disguise
The sets of Dali
They slash their arms, they slash their eyes
The light of Bunuel
Slash their arms, slash their eyes
Hole in your hand
Sheets of gold
Digging the land
Shapes to hold
We are dreaming
Sets & Lights
Hole in your hand
Sets & Lights
Digging the land
Sets & Lights
Hole in your hand
Sets & Lights
Digging the land
Sets & Lights...
The lyrics to Xeno & Oaklander's "Sets & Lights" describe the captivating yet destructive world of the theatre. The song draws inspiration from two of the most prominent and influential figures in the history of surrealist art - Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel. The song starts with mentioning the theatre, stage, sets and lights - elements that make up this surreal world.
The sets of Dali and light of Bunuel represent the vivid, dreamlike imagery that was characteristic of their art. The curtains that are drawn many times represent the cyclical nature of the theatre, where performances are repeated night after night. The mention of players being weary every night represents the physical and emotional toll the profession can take. The line "They slash their arms, slash their eyes" takes a dark turn, referring to actors who harm themselves to achieve emotional intensity for their performances.
The next stanza talks about the dreamlike nature of this world - "hole in your hand, sheets of gold, digging the land, shapes to hold, we are dreaming". It highlights the surreal and mysterious nature of the theatre and its ability to captivate the audience's imagination, taking them on a journey through their own dreams.
Overall, the lyrics of "Sets & Lights" are an alluring yet eerie depiction of the world of theatre and surrealist art.
Line by Line Meaning
The theatre, the stage, the sets, the lights
The various components involved in the production of a play, including the performance space, the scenery, and the lighting.
The sets of Dali
Scenes created with surrealist, dreamlike imagery, reminiscent of the work of artist Salvador Dali.
The curtains drawn so many times
A reference to the repeated performances of a play, during which the same curtains are opened and closed.
The light of Bunuel
The lighting design, inspired by the work of filmmaker Luis Bunuel, which contributes to the dreamlike quality of the production.
The players weary every night
The actors are exhausted from their nightly performances.
They slash their arms, slash their eyes
A metaphorical description of the emotional pain and trauma that actors often experience in their work.
Hole in your hand
A reference to the idea of having nothing, or feeling empty and incomplete.
Sheets of gold
A contrasting image of wealth and abundance, perhaps indicating a desire for something more fulfilling.
Digging the land
A metaphor for searching for something deeper and more meaningful, digging through the layers of life to reveal what is hidden beneath the surface.
Shapes to hold
A goal to find solid ground or a sense of stability in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
We are dreaming
A nod to the surreal, dreamlike quality of the production, but also a reminder that life itself can often feel like a dream.
Sets & Lights
A reference to the title of the song, emphasizing the importance of these key elements in the creation of a theatrical performance.
Contributed by Camden N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MsStonge
Such a well composed track, I am absolutely loving this artistic piece. Simply Gorgeous.<3
@MrShempenman
electro-clash never went away having been hip for like a fortnight in 2002. This tune shows it so.
@6_feet_underground
Just brilliant !
@samg295
fucking love Xeno & Oaklander
@adamXVI
Fantastic musicianship!....such an incredible band to see live as well!...
@Nyuxan13
Wonderfull! Xeno and Oaklander <3 Love them!!
@MrShempenman
In fact I love Kraftwerk and the NYC band called Suicide - have been listening to early 80's synth for ages but haven't listened to any modern synth bands since people like Miss Kitten etc.
@mYxTiQ
♥ Fascinante
@onlyyesterday1967
lovely
@Dicleidi
🖤