REVIEW: In Another Life, Skylight Webzine
/June 28, 2026 | Billy Yfantis
Deardarkhead’s second song from The Pendulum Swings, their first full-length album in 25 years, is an atmospheric and spiritually deep instrumental titled “In Another Life.” Inspired by observations on the unknown paths and unanswered “what ifs” that follow every life, the music encourages mindfulness, while reminding the listener that true peace of mind comes from living in the present. The song begins with a groovy alternative rock basis that creates a warm mood. The rhythm section maintains a steady beat, while the bass guitar becomes especially noticeable at about 0:32, giving motion and depth to the composition. Its melodic lines are more than just accompaniment; they are a vital component of the song’s emotion-driven mood. As the music progresses, the guitars provide uplifting melodic themes that bring out the ethereal characteristics of bands like The Cure. The guitar work is rich in reverb, creating a dreamy mood that frequently leans into shoegaze zone. These broad soundscapes provide the song a floating air aspect, making it sound nostalgic. One of the song’s biggest strengths is its production. The audio mix is nicely balanced, emphasising the melodic interaction between bass and guitar while allowing every layer to operate naturally. The reverbed sounds are presented with exceptional clarity, resulting in a realistic stereo image that rewards attentive listening, especially with headphones. Despite the lack of vocals, the piece successfully expresses emotion. The guitars act like storytellers, leading the listener through moments of mindfulness, hope, and peaceful thought. The hypnotic flow of the composition represents drummer Robert Weiss’ obsession with sitar-inspired droning sounds, giving a soft character without distraction from the song’s melodic focus. Overall, “In Another Life” is a well created instrumental that combines alternative rock, dream pop, and shoegaze influences to create a smooth and thrilling experience.