REVIEW: In Another Life, WoNoMagazine

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September 2, 2026 | Wout de Natris

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Another instrumental track from the reformed Deardarkhead. While the bass and drums provide the guitar layers with the basis to start their work from, the song develops in interesting ways. From parts that are just rhythm, the composition develops into a part where guitars hurtle over each other in a very playful way. It's hard to write on an instrumental track, I already wrote that on Deardarkhead's single 'Letting Go' before the summer break, and that hasn't changed. It is worth your while to listen to In Another Life, as it has a pleasant lead melody. A lot better than the Bill Wyman credited song with the same title on 'Their Majesty's Satanic Request'. The album 'The Pendulum Swings' is out since July.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2026/09/2026-week-36-5-singles.html

REVIEW: Letting Go, WoNoMagazine

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June 7, 2026 | Wout de Natris

An instrumental track somehow is the hardest to write about for me. Not that I analyse lyrics a lot, it is the layer of how vocal melodies interact with the music, where I often focus my attention on. Deardarkhead is a band from New Jersey, formed in 1988, that in 1998 released its only full length album to date, 'Unlock the Valves of Feeling'. Since several EPs saw the light of day, the last one being from 2016. Since its singer left, the band has become an instrumental outfit and listening to Letting Go focusing on extremely melodic instrumental tracks. Guitarist Kevin Harrington leads the pack with a very clear sound, while never overdoing the number of notes he can squeeze in. This is about melody and not about chops and prowess. He is supported by drummer Robert Weiss and bassist James Malizia, The mortar in between is played by guest keyboardist Joe McGinty (The Psychedelic Furs, Nada Surf, Ryan Adams and Deborah Harry), who adds just the right texture. It is this combination of musical facts that make me like Letting Go. There will be a full length album, Deardarkhead's second, on 10 July called 'The Pendulum Swings'.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2026/06/2026-week-23-10-singles-2.html