DEARDARKHEAD Released In Another Life, From The Pendulum Swings Album

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, In Another Life is a sweeping and introspective single from shoegaze pioneers Deardarkhead, which showcases a masterclass in atmospheric guitar layers, fuzzed-out tremolo, and hypnotic instrumental textures.

New Jersey alternative rock outfit Deardarkhead presents In Another Life, serving as their second offering from The Pendulum Swings. This release represents their first full-length album in 25 years. Balancing tension between crystalline guitar arpeggios, a wall of fuzzed out tremolo, and melodic baselines, the group concocts an introspective atmosphere exploring alternate timelines and choices.

Built around soaring guitar leads and melodic bass hooks, this track follows the lead single Letting Go. That preceding track focuses on growth and change, centering on releasing old patterns and embracing new directions. It features keyboardist Joe McGinty, known for his work with The Psychedelic Furs, Nada Surf, Ryan Adams and Deborah Harry, adding extra layers of atmosphere and texture.

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Evolving Lineups and Instrumental Shifts

The current lineup consists of guitarist Kevin Harrington, drummer Robert Weiss and bassist James Malizia. Malizia recently replaced Brandon Howard following the recording of this album. Deardarkhead has built a distinctive identity since the departure of vocalist-bassist Michael Amper in 2009. The project shifted fully into instrumental composition where melody and texture take the place of traditional vocals.

With many notable milestones over their nearly four decades together, including shows with the likes of Supergrass, The Psychedelic Furs, Everclear, Nothing and The Lilys, the material captures an ever-evolving band. They refine their voice through texture, atmosphere, and emotional momentum.

Origins and Creative Inspirations

Taking their name from the 1867 Irish poem Cean Dubh Dilis by Samuel Ferguson, a work about a beautiful dark-haired girl, Deardarkhead formed in 1988 in the Atlantic City area. Their identity roots itself as much in mood as in melody. Their music blends atmospheric dreampop, shoegaze shimmer and ethereal rock, unfolding as an original, guitar-driven psychedelic tightrope walk balancing moody textures and shimmering melodies.

Drummer Robert Weiss drew particular inspiration from sitar music for the rhythmic droning lead sections while writing the song. He shares that In Another Life examines the choices you did not make which still haunt you to some degree. He notes the lingering thoughts about alternate paths that ultimately hold no real impact since one must live in the present.

Inside the Production Process

Deardarkhead’s sixth recording and second full-length album captures a period of renewed experimentation and refinement. Recorded at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia, they collaborated with producers Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey, known for their work with The War on Drugs, Kurt Vile and Sharon Van Etten. Grammy-nominated mastering engineer Joe Lambert handled the mastering, bringing credits that include Animal Collective, Blonde Redhead, Beach House, M83 and Wild Nothing.

Across ten instrumental tracks, the record moves through shifting moods ranging from soaring, psychedelic-tinged guitar anthems to driving post-punk rhythms and ambient, abstract passages. The result is a dynamic work highlighting their signature blend of shimmering guitars, pulsing bass, and powerful percussion. The band pushes boundaries with an instrumental approach utilizing drum loops, unusual time signatures, ebow, bass VI, and expanded guitar layering.

Historical Context and Release Details

Deardarkhead has released five recordings via Fertile Crescent Records, beginning with their 1998 debut album Unlock the Valves of Feeling, alongside features on numerous US and Japanese indie compilations. In 2011, Captured Tracks released Oceanside: 1991-1993, a retrospective of early material for their Shoegaze Archives series. They later joined Saint Marie Records in 2015, releasing their critically acclaimed Strange Weather EP with them in 2016.

Following the single release of In Another Life, the full album The Pendulum Swings arrived on CD, digitally, and on 180-gram vinyl on July 10, with all tracks now fully accessible across major music platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

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