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.
Shadow World
Xeno & Oaklander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(We are from a world)
The outside can′t reach within
These old doors, they don't belong
(Of impossible standards)
Trying to live in this shadow world
(We are from a world)
The old bulbs, they've shown too long
But the light burn out
Leaving light in doubt
(We return)
As the sun angles closer
Pull the certain shut, tight,
(To our world)
Against the day
But the light turns out
Leaving life in doubt
(We return)
As the moon pivots further
Pull the certain shut, tight,
Against our age
(Our last chance)
(For experience)
Falling from life in my shadow world
(We are from a world)
The ages pass within
The old times, they've marched too long
(Of impossible standards)
Learning to die in this shadow world
(We are from a world)
The heart aches within
The old boy he′s far too gone
(Of perfection)
But the light burns out
Leaving love in doubt
(We return)
Aa the sun angles closer
Pull the certain shut, tight,
(To our world)
Against that day
But the light turns out
Leaving life in doubt
(We retourn)
As the moon pivots further
Pull certain shut, tight,
Agains this age
(Our last chance)
(For experience)
The lyrics to Xeno & Oaklander's song "Shadow World" depict a sense of detachment and isolation, as the singers find themselves navigating a world that feels separate from the outside. The repetition of the phrase "we are from a world" suggests that they belong to a different existence, one that is beyond the reach of conventional reality. They struggle to fit into a world governed by impossible standards and expectations, symbolized by the references to old doors, old bulbs, and old times that have gone on for too long.
The song touches on the ephemeral nature of light and life. While the singers try to protect themselves from the uncertainties of daylight by closing themselves off from the outside, they ultimately find that their efforts are in vain. The light burns out, leaving them with a sense of doubt and uncertainty. As the sun angles closer and the moon pivots further, they are faced with the passing of time and the realization that life is fleeting. They long for meaningful experiences, but they also grapple with the fear that their last chance to truly live and connect with the world is slipping away.
Overall, "Shadow World" delves into themes of displacement, the transience of life, and the struggle to find one's place in a world that imposes rigid standards and expectations. It portrays a sense of longing for connection and authenticity in a reality that feels detached and uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Learning to live in this shadow world
We are from a world where we have to adapt and survive in a place where everything seems uncertain and hidden from the outside.
The outside can′t reach within
The world beyond our own is unable to connect with or understand the intricacies and complexities of our existence.
These old doors, they don't belong
The traditional and conventional ways of thinking and behaving are no longer suitable or relevant for us.
Trying to live in this shadow world
We continue to strive and make efforts despite the challenges and difficulties presented by our unique world.
The light can′t pierce within
The truth or understanding remains elusive and inaccessible, unable to penetrate into the depths of our reality.
The old bulbs, they've shown too long
The familiar sources of illumination and guidance have become worn out and ineffective in guiding us.
But the light burn out
However, the hope or optimism gradually diminishes and fades away.
Leaving light in doubt
Resulting in a state of uncertainty and skepticism towards any potential sources of light or positivity.
As the sun angles closer
With each passing day, the intensity of the challenges and struggles we face increases.
Pull the certain shut, tight,
We must hold onto our established ways and beliefs tightly, shutting ourselves off from external influences.
Against the day
In preparation for the inevitable hardships and uncertainty that lie ahead.
But the light turns out
Yet again, the hopes and expectations for a brighter future are extinguished and disappointingly shattered.
Leaving life in doubt
Leaving us questioning the purpose and meaning of our existence amidst the darkness and uncertainty.
As the moon pivots further
With each passing cycle, the emotional and psychological distance from stability and contentment increases.
Pull the certain shut, tight,
We must firmly hold onto our established ways and perspectives, closing ourselves off from the changing external environment.
Against our age
In resistance to the challenges and expectations that come with the passage of time and the evolving world.
(Our last chance)
In this critical moment, we feel a sense of urgency and importance to make the most of our limited opportunities.
(For experience)
To seek out and embrace all the lessons and knowledge that can be derived from the unique circumstances of our existence.
Falling from life in my shadow world
Feeling a sense of decline or descent from the vibrancy and liveliness that once defined our existence in this alternative world.
The ages pass within
The passing of time brings with it the accumulation of experiences and the realization of the transient nature of our existence.
The old times, they've marched too long
The past, with all its memories and influences, has been present for an extended period, perhaps weighing heavily on our present state.
(Of impossible standards)
Referring to the unattainable expectations and ideals that have been imposed upon us, making it difficult to find contentment in our lives.
Learning to die in this shadow world
Coming to terms with the inevitability of our mortality while existing in this world where darkness and uncertainty prevail.
The heart aches within
Experiencing deep emotional pain and longing within ourselves as we confront the reality of our own mortality.
The old boy he′s far too gone
Referring to oneself as an individual who has been deeply affected and impacted by the passage of time, possibly feeling disconnected from the vibrancy of youth.
(Of perfection)
Alluding to the unattainable and idealized concept of perfection that we have been conditioned to strive for, further intensifying feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.
But the light burns out
Yet again, the hopes and aspirations for a brighter or more fulfilling existence are extinguished and fade away.
Leaving love in doubt
Leaving us uncertain and skeptical about the existence and possibility of love amidst the prevailing darkness and uncertainty.
(We return)
Acknowledging the cyclical nature of our existence, where we find ourselves repeatedly facing similar challenges and emotions.
Aa the sun angles closer
With the passage of time, the intensity and pressure of the external challenges and demands we face increase.
Pull the certain shut, tight,
Again, we must firmly hold onto our established perspectives and shield ourselves from external influences and expectations.
(To our world)
Referring to our unique reality and the need to protect and preserve the distinctiveness of our existence.
Against that day
In preparation for the inevitable difficulties and uncertainties that may arise in the future.
As the moon pivots further
As time passes, the emotional distance and isolation from stability and contentment continue to grow.
Pull certain shut, tight,
We must tightly hold onto our established viewpoints and perspectives, isolating ourselves from the changing external world.
Agains this age
In resistance to the demands and expectations that come with the current era or phase of our lives.
(Our last chance)
Feeling a sense of urgency and significance to make the most of the remaining opportunities and possibilities available to us.
(For experience)
To fully embrace and derive wisdom from all the unique circumstances and challenges that our existence has to offer.
Writer(s): Mesean Mcbride, Elizabeth Wendelbo
Contributed by Carson V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.