The crazed anticipation surrounding this album was fed by the announcement of its release at Matter in January, which was streamed live to an audience of 200,000 fans. But the release of this record into the wild really couldn’t have come at a better time. Anyone who does not run their iPod to the ground with this album over the summer cannot call themselves a true d’n’b lover. It truly has a song for every steaming occasion as well as every single person you have invited to that summer barbecue.
The band have dived into an explosive electronic sound which will only be fuelled by their latest edition, the world renowned electronic drummer KJ Sawka, who has be introduced to fans at their recent tour of the UK and Ireland.
“Set Me on Fire” is cut with a real electronic feel infused with a soothing reggae edge which work together to lay you down and then spring you back to life. Experimental genius. However Pendulum have also stayed true to their drum and bass roots with tunes such as “Salt In The Wounds”, their first track from the album to be released. They have also paid tribute to their instantly recognisable sound with what can only be described as Pendulum classics such as “Witchcraft”, “Crush” and “Watercolour.” There are couple of hardcore rock tunes on the album to appease those rockers with slammers such as “Compranchicos” and “Self V Self.”
But the album also proves the band’s versatility through its clear softer edge with chill-out tunes such as “The Fountain”, which features Porcupine Tree leader Steven Wilson and embraces both artists’ eagerness to experiment with progressive arrangements and ambient textures.
The album’s final tease, “Encoder”, also brings to life the album’s comforting sound and leaves you with a real sense of sadness that the album has drawn to a close.
8.5/10, out now
Words by Sheira Gorris
