‘Zero Point’ is taken from The Kyvu Tapes Vol.3, the latest exploration of abandoned four-track experiments that were recorded between 1989-1992 by Demian Castellanos, of The Oscillation fame. Castellanos explains “It was recorded using a cheap Casio keyboard that I had borrowed from someone, and electric guitar where I was trying to find the melting point between feedback and melody.” Heavily influenced by Tangerine Dream’s early records (mainly Phaedra, Rubycon and Richochet) and Sonic Boom’s first solo album that he was constantly listening to at that time, ‘Zero Point’ was recorded in either Seven Sisters, London or in Cambridge where he briefly lived for 9 months or so.. The memories of that time are pretty hazy and the air of mystery adds to the tracks appeal.
The Kyvu Tapes Vol.3 consists of more tracks Castellanos found from his cassette transfers a couple of years ago and re-explored recently to see what else was there. He advises “It’s a strange thing, going down a lot of memory lanes and remembering the people I met, the way that I felt.. or the people I didn’t meet and the alienation, an alienation that seems similar now.” All the tracks were recorded between 1989-92 (if my memory serves correctly) and most were recorded in Cornwall at his mum’s house in a village called The Lizard. A mesmerising part of the world overlooking the Atlantic and Kynance Cove, a strange rock that adds to the mystery of the place and he recalls “these were times of intense self-exploration, ocean gazing and loneliness.” Other tracks were recorded in a basement flat in Shepherds Bush, London where he lived alone for a few months in 1991. “I have some nice memories of being there seeing lots of great bands and spending a lot of time working in peace, having moved to London for the first time.”
“I moved around or moved house/town/city quite a lot back then but would often, and inevitably, find myself retreating back to the tranquility and desolate beauty of The Lizard where I would find and lose myself, recuperate, dreams and fears intertwined, walking across a strange and dramatic landscape, staring at the sea and wondering what might lie ahead if only I could make something happen. I can now hear elements of what would become The Oscillation. It’s a great liberation and consolidation to get these old recordings out there. I ain’t claiming to split the atom here, but thanks for listening, and if you enjoy any of it, or it helps your mood or day, that makes me happy.”
Video by Antonio Curcetti.
Buy The Kyvu Tapes Vol.3 here
