PHARMACOSE Expands Alternative Rock Horizons with Incredible, Almost Fully DIY EP, 'Ascension's Constraint Pt. 1'!

August 20, 2023

Jacksonville, FL Alternative Rock project PHARMACOSE, a mostly one man shown known as (Dr.) WESLEY JONES, has unveiled the long awaited and previously teased out EP, Ascension's Constraint Pt. I. Written, produced, mixed, and mastered by the enigmatic and multi-talented front-man, Ascension's Constraint Pt. I is a delicious fusion of classic and modern alternative, with precise and deeply thoughtful themes built withing a stunningly layered instrumentation!

"When I set out to make Ascension’s Constraint in 2020, I thought it would take me about a year or so. It ended up taking over three years. It has been an arduous path getting here, full of frustration, late nights, trial and error, and, honestly, a fair amount of failures. And this is only Part I! More than once I wanted to give up and never think about it again. In some respects, it might have been a healthier option, since I’m almost six years removed from my mental health struggles, but some part of me just will not sit still.

Toward the end of 2019, I felt great about where things were headed with Pharmacose. We’d just finished part 2 of Prescription Fiction, and we were starting to get some shows booked. Things were beginning to get exciting. Then March 2020 happened, and while we were extremely fortunate not to experience any major tragedies, personal circumstances changed for all of us, and suddenly there was no “we.” It was just me. Though that’s not entirely accurate, since Lu and I are still working together some, but there was no longer a band in the traditional sense.

I could have let Pharmacose go quietly, and part of me wanted to, but I just could not quit. There was a moment around when the lockdowns were announced that I knew I was going to be stuck in the house more, and I decided that I was going to do whatever it took to get my production abilities up to snuff. I already had some clue as to what I was doing, but it still took me a year of writing, recording, realizing it was not good, and then repeating the process before I started to gain a bit of confidence. Somewhere during that time I decided that since I was doing deep dive on production, I may as well do the same for mixing.

Along the way I built a project studio, and that’s where I was nearly every night from around 9:00-12:00, and sometimes more on the weekend. I put out versions of the songs on this record starting at the beginning of last year, and when it became time to start thinking about compiling them all into an album, I realized the recording and mixing just wasn’t good. So, earlier this year, I set out to figure out where I went wrong and to do what I needed to do to get the songs sounding how I wanted them.

I ended up re-recording almost all the parts, which obviously meant that I had to mix everything again. It was disappointing at first to realize all this, but I’m glad I took the time to do it. Everything sounds so much better, and anyone who listened to the original versions won’t recognize these ones. Additionally, I feel like I’ve got a decent idea about what I am doing now, meaning that Part II won’t take nearly as long.

Ascension’s Constraint is part of a larger work that also includes a companion book. At first, I was trying to release one part of the story per month along with a song that goes with what is happening in the story, but I got very far behind and decided to put the book on hold so I could get the songs done. Part I of the book is pretty far along, though, I just need to finish it. I think that’s the next step in this journey. I’d hate to abandon it, because I enjoy the story and it helps to solidify the messages I am trying to send.

When I say messages, I really don’t mean to be preachy, and in fact I am not necessarily trying to tell the reader/listener what I believe is really going on in the world. I am not sure what’s going on in the world because I feel truth is in short supply, but this is only my opinion.

Ideas that the songs and the book explore include the possibility of a higher self/soul, higher dimensions, and the simulation hypothesis. For those that are intrigued or might want more background, I suggest reading about Roger Penrose, Stuart Hameroff, and David Bohm, among others.

I’d be remiss if I did not acknowledge point out that the timing of this release is serendipitous. UAPs appear to be real, and we may be on the cusp of disclosure. Lue Elizando, Tom DeLonge, and many others have mentioned that the phenomena may have ties to consciousness and higher dimensions. It was not my intention to time the release to coincide with all the information coming out, but hopefully my works will inspire the reader/listener to dig deeper into these concepts." - Wes Johnson

Click to Purchase and Read 'Ascension's Constraint' Part 1 & 2 Online!

Pharmacose is an alternative rock project hailing from Jacksonville, FL, that combines steadfast analog sounds with cutting edge flair. The project– a portmanteau of “pharmaceutical” and “comatose” –began as a collaborative effort between Jones and producer and bassist Lucio Rubino. They have previously released material under the name Digital Array.

Jones, a Memphis native, formed Pharmacose in 2017 with producer Lu Rubino shortly after moving to Jacksonville to pursue new career opportunities. Rubino, a veteran producer and bassist, has worked with Paramore, Storyside B, and The Showdown, among many others. Their creative process was chiefly inspired by Jones, a medical doctor, and his past struggles with mental illness.

Pharmacose began as a coping mechanism for Jones in the wake of an acute mental health episode, culminating in the release of Prescription Fiction, Part 1, in 2020. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones and Rubino put together a live act by recruiting drummer Albert Cruz and lead guitarist Kevin Horne. The group was gearing up to play live shows in anticipation of the release of Part 2 of Prescription Fiction. With the subsequent lockdowns canceling those shows, and Cruz and Horne subsequently departing, Jones decided to begin working on new material and used the time to explore new sounds and assume a greater role in production. The result is several new songs, which ultimately completed Prescription Fiction as an entire album, rather than releasing Part 2 as a separate chapter.

In August 2023, Pharmacose released the first installment of their second album, Ascension's Restraint.

PHARMACOSE Laments with Fresh New Soundscapes on Third Track, "If I Were Better," from 'Ascension's Constraint'!

June 11, 2022

Jacksonville, FL Alternative Rock project PHARMACOSE has released the third single, "If I Were Better," and second literary part, from their ongoing musical and literary project, Ascension's Constraint. Infused with an eclectic combination of electronic pop ala Depeche Mode and Duran Duran as well as soaring, near falsetto vocals and energetic, pop-punk and classic rock instrumentation, this newest imagining from the multi-talented, experimental, and perfectionist front-man, WESLEY JONES, defies neat categorization, evoking a wholly new auditory experience for music fans across genres. Not only does the newest track reject aural expectations, it adds a deeper layer of intrigue with a nuanced story, reminiscent of such music storytellers as Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, underpinned by poignant lyrics and a relatable experience that holds listeners' attention as they lose themselves in the composition.

Says WES JONES in discussing the new single and written section:

“'If I Were Better' is the next track off Ascension’s Constraint, to be paired with part 2 of the novel of the same name. In a nutshell, it’s about seeing how things are and feeling powerless to change them. In a way, it’s a lamentation. At this point in the novel, Alex, our protagonist, sees that he is being reeled into a plot, whether he wants to be in it or not. He’s not yet accepted his role. He’s still figuring things out, and he may even be in denial.

I didn’t mean it to be entirely defeatist. I think it represents how we sort of envision things playing out when we feel hopeless. It’s like we just want it to be over, even if the outcome is bad. A lot of times things don’t play out nearly as bad as we envision them, especially if we trust ourselves and not look to our “leaders” to help us out. I think the biggest thing we can do in such situations is accept the situation for what it is. Denial never really helps.

As far as production goes, this is a song I produced, recorded, and mixed on my own. I’ll be doing that more and more. I’m not perfect yet, and I never will be, but I think by the end of this record I’ll be a lot closer to where I want to be as an artist and producer. Things are starting to move out of the big studios, and while some purists lament this, I embrace it. The music industry has been gatekeeping long enough. Why should a bunch of suits get to decide if I’m given a chance to be heard? I think music is moving into an entirely new era, and some people just don’t want to accept it, and instead of trying to evolve they are actively trying to prevent things from going in that direction. It’s sort of a microcosm of the times we’re living in.

I love the idea of being able to do songs in my project studio. Doing a song from start to finish on my own time has been difficult but also one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. It allows me to keep my vision intact. Don’t get me wrong, collaboration with other people is great. I love working with Lu and am excited to keep doing so. But, over the years, I’ve learned that the more people you add in, the more your vision can get watered down. It’s awesome when something comes together from a jam, but a lot of times that doesn’t happen. So, by the end of this project, hopefully I’ll be able to push the envelope of what someone can do on their own, so long as they work hard and never settle."

Pharmacose is a collaborative alternative rock project hailing from Jacksonville, FL, that combines steadfast analog sounds with cutting edge flair. The project– a portmanteau of “pharmaceutical” and “comatose” –began as a collaborative effort between Jones and producer and bassist Lucio Rubino. Frequent collaborators include drummer Albert Cruz and guitarist Kevin Horne, who also round out their live act. They have previously released material under the name Digital Array.

Jones, a Memphis native, formed Pharmacose in 2017 with producer Lu Rubino shortly after moving to Jacksonville to pursue new career opportunities. Rubino, a veteran producer and bassist, has worked with Paramore, Storyside B, and The Showdown, among many others. Their creative process was chiefly inspired by Jones, a medical doctor, and his past struggles with mental illness.

Drawing on such themes as reintegration to life in the wake of acute mental health episodes and the side effects of psychiatric medication, Pharmacose wields their brand of rock to let those suffering from mental illness to know that they are not alone. The result is a powerful, explosive lyrical journey into the depths of existence that would appeal to fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Porcupine Tree, Starset, Chevelle, The Mars Volta, and beyond.

By confronting anger, shame, and ultimately galvanizing hope, Pharmacose advocates for the awareness of mental health. Through vibrant soundscapes suffused with riveting synth. The group hopes to empower people to seek help, push through, and move from isolation toward connection.

Pharmacose released Prescription Fiction, Part 1, in 2020. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were gearing up to play live shows in anticipation of the release of part 2. With the subsequent lockdowns canceling those shows, Jones decided to begin working on new material and used the time to explore new sounds and assume a greater role in production. The result is several new songs, which ultimately completed Prescription Fiction as an entire album, rather than a separate chapter.

Check Out PHARMACOSE New Single, "Obey," and First Installment of Sci-Fi Thriller Novel, Ascension's Constraint!

May 12, 2022

Jacksonville, FL Alternative Rock project PHARMACOSEreleased their newest single, "Obey." Dark, gritty, and atmospheric, with an underlying tension that will appeal to fans of such similarly incisive orchestrators as NINE INCH NAILS and TOOL, "Obey" is an exploration of corporate corruption in the modern age. "Obey" is the second single off of the band's ongoing new concept project, Ascension’s Constraint, which is due for full release throughout 2022.

“'Obey' is the second song from our project Ascension’s Constraint, a concept album accompanied by a serialized novel. The plan is to release a song and a part of the novel each month, with 'Obey' being the first single to accompany the first part of the book. Although I’m going to try to match up the songs with the theme of the book, 'Obey' and “Cleanse You” were written before Ascension’s Constraint was really fleshed out, so they are more setting up the theme for the book.

Set about 50 or so years from now after our currency has collapsed, a group of mega-corporations has stepped in to manage governmental functions, both locally and federally; they did not do so altruistically, as you can imagine. There is all sorts of espionage going on as corporations try to get the better of each other, and our protagonist, Alex Hobbes, gets caught up in one of their plots. If I had to classify it, I’d call it a sci-fi thriller.

As for the song, it was one that Lu Rubino, Pharmacose’s original producer and one of my very good friends, had been working on for another project. It didn’t work for that project, so Lu asked if it would be a good fit for us. I loved it. I think we made some very slight changes to the arrangement, but Lu had spent so much time on it already that there wasn’t a whole lot to be done aside from recording the vocals. Overall, I think it has an evolved sound that you may hear in later songs we release." - WES JONES

Click to Purchase / Stream "Obey" Online

Click to Purchase and Read 'Ascension's Constraint' Part 1 Online

Jones, a Memphis native, formed Pharmacose in 2017 with producer Lu Rubino shortly after moving to Jacksonville to pursue new career opportunities. Rubino, a veteran producer and bassist, has worked with Paramore, Storyside B, and The Showdown, among many others. Their creative process was chiefly inspired by Jones, a medical doctor, and his past struggles with mental illness.

PHARMACOSE Releases New Single, "Cleanse You"! New Concept Project, 'Ascension’s Constraint,' with Monthly Releases

March 28, 2022

Jacksonville, FL Alternative Rock project PHARMACOSE has revealed the first song in their latest project, Ascension’s Constraint, a series of monthly song releases to be accompanied with one part of a serialized novel of the same name. Each song will be based around the events and/or themes of the accompanying installment of the novel. Ascension’s Constraint is a science fiction work set in the 22nd century at a time after the collapse of the US’s financial system. As a result, mega-corporations have assumed the responsibility of both local and federal government operations. The first installment will be released in April 2022 with the next single, “Obey.”

Originally premiered on Ghost Cult Magazine, "Cleanse You" was written, performed, and produced by the band's multitalented front-man and songwriter WES JONES.

"I have always loved concept albums, and one of my major goals has always been to do one. I didn’t think it was going to happen this soon, but the lockdowns happened, and all of a sudden I had nothing to do. We had been gearing up for some shows to promote the intended release of Prescription Fiction, but obviously none of that happened. I didn’t want to sit around doing nothing, so I decided it was as good a time as any to start work on that record.

I had been kicking around some possible concepts for years, but it wasn’t until the lockdowns happened that I was able to commit to one. Even before the pandemic, I found myself ordering more and more things online, and it made me wonder just how dependent I’d become on corporations as well as how big and powerful many have become or are becoming. I’ve also been concerned about how wage stagnation and inflation are going to affect your average person in the future, and so I just combined the two ideas and that became the setting of the novel.

As far as music production goes, 'Cleanse You' is the first song I’ve ever released that I wrote, performed, produced, and mixed on my own. Our past songs were all produced by Lu and were mixed by a very talented guy named Joe Rickard. It became hard for Lu and me to get together during the lockdowns, so I made it a goal to get better at production. Although I have done some production over the years, I was nowhere near as good at it as Lu. That had to change because I’m not a person that can sit still. For whatever reason, I always feel like I need to be getting better at something. So that took me down a two year journey where I spent countless hours trying to get better. A lot of the songs coming out were the result of those efforts. Lu and I are still working together, though. In fact, he produced and recorded the song we’re releasing next month, called 'Obey.' I have learned so much from him and I hope to continue to do so since I feel like I can’t hold a candle to him, but also I feel like I’m never going to be able to take the next step unless I release material that I’ve produced and mixed." - WES JONES - Singer / Songwriter PHARMACOSE

Jones, a Memphis native, formed Pharmacose in 2017 with producer Lu Rubino shortly after moving to Jacksonville to pursue new career opportunities. Rubino, a veteran producer and bassist, has worked with Paramore, Storyside B, and The Showdown, among many others. Their creative process was chiefly inspired by Jones, a medical doctor, and his past struggles with mental illness.