Search - Broadcast :: Pendulum

An Excellent Return

genial | Long Island City, NY United States | 05/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Broadcast has always been a little more avant-garde than the average chanteuse-plus-electronics outfit; they're like the crazy old aunt that the Stereolab family keeps shut up in the attic. What's not so well known is that they rock live. I saw them at the Bowery Ballroom three years ago and was surprised to hear how much of a kick they brought to the songs from their 2000 album "The Noise Made By People". With their new "Pendulum" EP the band appears to be moving towards incorporating the more aggressive sound of their live performances into their studio work. The electronics are noisier, the drums and the bass more prominent, the production roughed-up. At times they still recall 60's Pink Floyd, only now the sound is closer to the Syd Barret-led Floyd, instead of the "Ummagumma"-isms of "Noise". My only criticism is that Trish Keenan's vocals are a little too far down in the mix. The three pop songs are mostly excellent, and the musique-concrete experiments manage to be engaging without overstaying their welcome. In short, a fine return after a long absence."

Exotic, yet familiar...yeah

08/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This single is worth getting because it has five exclusive tracks that won't appear on an album. They've retained the good things about their unique sound, but sound a bit more lively and less lost in a muddled, dreamlike melancholy like on 'The Noise Made by People', although they're still inscrutable and arty.She sings on 3 of the 6 tracks. Her voice is refreshing because she doesn't do the overblown, show-off vocal gymnastics that R&B singers are so fond of.All of the tracks are good except the last one which is more of an experimental glitch track."

Broadcast loud and clear

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 03/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Broadcast's "Pendulum" isn't just a good intro to the full-length album "Haha Sound," it's a nice chunk of Broadcast's unique indie-rock/fuzz-electrojazz in itself. With one album track and five new others, this is a must-have for anyone interested in Broadcast."Pendulum" is the only song that is actually from "Haha Sound," a steady drum line backed by a shimmering, slightly fuzzy backdrop. Then it shifts into different turf with shivery ballads (the wavery "Small Song IV") and offbeat indie rock (the brash "One Hour Empire," tensely bouncy "Violent Playground"). The EP rounds off with a curious experimental song, full of what sounds like phone bells and beeps underwater, which then shifts to a slow, uneasy melody, like something you'd hear in a haunted house.The sound of Broadcast has clearly changed somewhat in this EP. It's a bit noisier, somewhat more experimental. The bass and percussion are a lot stronger, giving a rockier feel to the music. And the final track "Minus Two" is a tuneless, eerie stretch of sound and wavering ooh-ahh vocals that may not appeal to a lot of listeners.The drums are the strongest musical element, and they make a nice counterpoint to the eerie electronic flourishes and bass riffs. Trish Keenan's vocals are well suited to the music, high and soft and a little singsongy. The problem is that they tend to be mixed down too low, so that the music seems to overwhelm them. This EP is a satisfying musical experience, and a nice taste of the offbeat indie-rock that Broadcast does well. The "Pendulum" swings both ways!"