REVIEW: In Another Life, Skylight Webzine

/

June 28, 2026 | Billy Yfantis

Skylight Webzine

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.

REVIEW: Letting Go, Skylight Webzine

/

May 23, 2026 | Billy Yfantis

Skylight Webzine

Kevin Harrington claims that “Letting Go” is “a song about growth…change…letting go of old ways,” with a focus on accepting a new path with confidence and clarity. Keyboardist Joe McGinty, who is well-known for his work with The Psychedelic Furs, Nada Surf, Ryan Adams, and Deborah Harry, joins Deardarkhead to further enhance the song. The production crew, which was recorded at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia, also comprises mastering engineer Joe Lambert, Brian McTear, and Amy Morrissey. Their combined experience adds more detail to the release’s sound. The song begins with vibrant drumming and beautiful, Shoegaze-inspired guitar sounds that immediately bring out a nostalgic atmosphere characteristic of bands like Lush, Slowdive, and the Stone Roses. From the beginning, the composition balances dreamy warmth with a steady rhythm, resulting in a sound that is upbeat. “Letting Go” is an instrumental work that communicates its message purely through melodic expression and mood. The guitars take on the major narrative style of the piece, expanding through dynamic phrasing and layered sounds that create an exploratory and open atmosphere. Rather than remaining static, the arrangement is constantly evolving with small modifications and changing musical patterns. Technically, the performance is very detailed, featuring numerous changeovers and interconnected instrumental components that call for careful attention. These changing patterns correspond to Harrington’s topic of inner development, reinforcing the concept of movement, advancement, and emotional freedom through sound only. Finally, “Letting Go” works as both a nostalgic shoegaze-influenced instrumental and a personal statement about change and rebirth. Its lush guitar work, fluid arrangement, and powerful atmosphere allow for an engaging listening experience that inspires self-analysis and gentle optimism.

Deardarkhead