REVIEW: The Pendulum Swings, Skylight Webzine

August 5, 2026 | Billy Yfantis

After a 25-year break from full-length albums, New Jersey alternative rock duo Deardarkhead returns with The Pendulum Swings, an album that is both classic. The record, which was recorded at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia and produced, engineered, and mixed by Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey, with mastering by Grammy-nominated engineer Joe Lambert, reveals a band that has embraced experimentation while remaining true to its atmospheric alternative rock roots. Drum loops, unique time signatures, new keyboard sounds, ebow, Bass VI, and extended guitar layering all contribute to the album’s immersive sound. The album’s opening track, “Flamethrower,” establishes its character with distinct bass tempos that slowly develop into a powerful grunge-inspired arrangement. Beneath the strong guitars, slight shoegaze sounds offer dimension and mood, keeping the song from being a straight-up rock hit. The first track’s combination of raw energy and spaced out sound creates a strong feeling of movement. “Coming Undone” takes the mood to a darker place, embracing post-punk aesthetics and melancholy guitar lines that create an almost creepy atmosphere. Gothic influences are naturally integrated into the arrangement, resulting in a cinematic composition that prioritises melody and mood over pure aggression. The production gives each layer room to flow, making the song artistically expansive. One of the album’s highlight moments is “Tears,” which begins with lush, ambient sounds and carefully processed guitars that recall The Cure’s surreal aspects. As the piece progresses, post-rock melodies reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky arise via expansive guitar work and careful dynamic buildup. Rather of depending on traditional verse-chorus forms, the song unfolds naturally, resulting in a touching journey in which atmosphere becomes the primary instrument. The album’s final track, “The Pendulum Swings,” combines shoegaze and darkwave influences to create a fascinating crescendo. Sweet, melodic guitar lines flow over the stereo field, while layers of effects create a hypnotic, dreamy mood. The expansive production and precisely constructed sounds leave the listener with a constant experience of inner reflection, perfectly capturing the album’s musical character. Throughout the album, Deardarkhead shows an exceptional command of texture, dynamics, and guitar-based songwriting. Instead of depending on technical performance, the band focuses on building emotional landscapes in which each note contributes to the atmosphere. The production quality is superb, with each instrument taking up its own space while still adding to a harmonic and full sound.

https://skylight.gr/index.php/2026/08/05/deardarkhead-the-pendulum-swings/