WA Music

CD REVIEW: Pendulum - In Sillico

Monday, 11 August 2008

After releasing one of the most ground-breaking debut records in years in the shape of "Hold Your Colour", Pendulum had a massive amount of hype and expectation surrounding their follow up full length, "In Sillico." The band, featuring Perth producers Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen, as well as re-knowned local DJ El Hornet (Paul Harding), have had a massive hand in the increased popularity of drum and bass over the last 5 years or so, with an attempt to combine the dark and dirty electronic elements of this music with a much heavier "rock" feel.

It's clear that after bringing in new members and touring as a 'live' act, that Pendulum have somewhat changed their style and direction which seems to now cater for more of a 'rock show' than a 'dance party.' The purists would argue that this is to their detriment but punters, like myself, who have jumped on the d'n'b band wagon in more recent times, would agree that these guys are fully fucking sick !!!!!!!

It must be said, however, that the songs on 'In Sillico,' definately come into their own when performed live as opposed to on record, with the album lacking the same spark and excitement that 'Hold Your Colour' possessed. Its obvious that the band has a clear direction of where they want to be, but i dont think they've quite nailed it on this latest release. There's glimpses of brilliance in tracks such as 'Different' and the the anthemic 'Propane Nightmares' but the moments of brilliance are too few and far between to rate this as cracker-jack album.

Credit where credit's due tho, Pendulum were literally on top of the drum 'n' bass world after their first album, and  could have easily busted out a similar style album that would have probably been more successful, but they have clearly taken a big step towards a much bigger picture and by putting their balls on the line with 'In Sillico,' they have set themselves up to potentially release one of the greatest hybrid rock/d'n'b albums of all time. Lets hope they do because a few lads out of Perth, taking over a massive sub-culture of music is pretty fucking impressive if u ask me and i think these guys deserve all the accolades they get. In Sillico... still well worth a listen so go out and SUPPORT LOCAL ORIGINAL MUSIC !!!!!!!

by Fraggas

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