REVIEW: The Pendulum Swings, The Tableread Magazine
/July 23, 2026 | jjbarnes
Deardarkhead Delivers Masterpiece With New Album,
The Pendulum Swings
Deardarkhead return with their captivating new album, The Pendulum Swings, blending soaring guitars, atmospheric textures, and decades of evolved musicianship into an unforgettable instrumental journey.
New Jersey alternative rock and dreampop pioneers Deardarkhead have officially made their long-awaited return with the release of their brand-new full-length album, The Pendulum Swings.
Marking their first complete album release in decades, the record captures the veteran outfit in a vibrant phase of artistic renewal, experimentation, and refined musicianship. Led by the powerful single “Letting Go,” the album showcases a band that has masterfully evolved while staying true to its atmospheric roots
A New Chapter in Instrumental Soundscapes
The standout single, “Letting Go,” serves as a dynamic instrumental anthem built upon soaring guitar leads and melodic bass hooks. Rather than following traditional lyrical structures, the track acts as an atmospheric reflection on personal growth, transformation, breaking free from stagnant patterns, and stepping boldly into fresh directions.
The song’s lush textures are significantly enhanced by guest keyboards from Joe McGinty of The Psychedelic Furs. McGinty brings a wealth of experience to the track, having previously collaborated with notable acts like Nada Surf, Ryan Adams, and Deborah Harry.
The single’s roots trace back to an initial piano composition by guitarist Kevin Harrington, which quickly evolved into an expansive anthem. The recording features former bassist Brandon Howard, who handled bass duties in the studio before James Malizia officially stepped into the role alongside Harrington and drummer Robert Weiss.
High-Profile Production and Craftsmanship
The Pendulum Swings represents the band’s sixth overall release and their second full-length record. To bring this ambitious project to life, Deardarkhead utilized Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia, teaming up with renowned producers Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey—whose impressive production credits include The War on Drugs, Kurt Vile, and Sharon Van Etten. Additionally, the record benefited from the expert touch of Grammy-nominated mastering engineer Joe Lambert, known for his work with Animal Collective, Beach House, M83, and Blonde Redhead.
Musically, the album traverses a wide sonic landscape, shifting fluidly between soaring psychedelic-infused guitar anthems, driving post-punk rhythms, and spacious ambient passages. The band successfully pushes their instrumental boundaries by incorporating drum loops, unconventional time signatures, ebow textures, bass VI, and intricate guitar layering.
Decades of Evolution and Shoegaze Roots
Formed in 1988 around the Atlantic City, New Jersey area, Deardarkhead took their name from Samuel Ferguson’s 1867 Irish poem “Cean Dubh Dilis.” Over nearly four decades, the group has carved out a distinct identity blending atmospheric dreampop, shoegaze shimmer, and ethereal rock.
Following the 2009 departure of original vocalist and bassist Michael Amper, the outfit transitioned entirely into an instrumental format, allowing melody and texture to take center stage. Their rich history includes sharing the stage with major acts like Supergrass, The Psychedelic Furs, Everclear, Nothing, and The Lilys.
Throughout their career, the band has maintained an impressive independent legacy. They released five early recordings through Fertile Crescent Records—beginning with their 1998 debut full-length, Unlock the Valves of Feeling—and had their music featured on numerous indie compilations in the United States and Japan. Their archival work received wider recognition when Captured Tracks launched Oceanside: 1991-1993 in 2011 as part of their Shoegaze Archives series, followed by the critically acclaimed Strange Weather EP via Saint Marie Records in 2016.
With The Pendulum Swings now out in the world, Deardarkhead bridges their storied past with a forward-thinking, mature perspective, proving that their signature blend of shimmering guitars and moody soundscapes remains as vital and captivating as ever.