Review: Oscilloscope - There Is Always Darkness, There Is Always Light (Independent)

Once more we return to the dichotom of yin and yang, darkness and light, peace and war etc - but this time as an 11 track study of electronic sounds that's been produced by the Oscilloscope!

Released on Bandcamp Friday, the Oscilloscope (aka Jason Cooke - he of Comedy Balloon and Charity Shop Classics on All FM) recorded these tracks in the January 2026, mostly "in one take, although some had additional pads and solos added in post production" and you'd never know as there's hardly any element of time contraint; mostly gentle soundscapes that'll any electronic influences of the likes of Ravi Shankar, Alice and John Coltrane from the spiritually enlightened 60s/70s.

Perhaps 'Back To Work' is more 'industrial' (with a small 'I') getting into Tangerine Dream more than Kraftwerk; bearing in mind it was recorded at the Institute Of Psychedelectronics, Manchester and mixed Rhosneigr Beach, Anglesey.Of Psyche (Ed. note his connection with 'Comedy Balloon')

Of course, there's the obligatory space themes (more of the Star Trek than modern today Musk) with 'Return To The Space' and 'Full Of Stars' but this is no vanity project as it's complimentry to Manu Delago & Max ZT forthcoming duet, 'Deuce'  and duo of Ben Seretan and Jake Thayer and their formcoming album, 'Sunbean Of No Illusion'.

I must admit, I prefer the longer, more Edgar Froese / Klaus Schulze Kraut-synth tracks 'Prologue - The Action Is The Decision' and 'Erebus Rising' but as in the Light vs. Darkness envelope, tracks like 'Proton' and 'Stylo' are the other side of the coin toss mind of the ever changing Oscilloscope.

"Great stuff" as a wise man once said - recommended.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: There Is Always Darkness, There Is Always Light | Oscilloscope

Artist: Oscilloscope 

Title: There Is Always Darkness, There Is Always Light
Release date: 6th February, 2026
Label : Independent
Catalog Number  TBC
Format:  Digital / BANDCAMP