Search - Pendulum :: Immersion

Electronic Album of the Year

Michael C. Anderson | 06/17/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From start to finish, Immersion is a phantasmagoria of beats, sounds, and rhythms that acoustically transport you to another world. The soundstage (that is, how surrounding-sounding something sounds) on Immersion is incredible, which is part of why I say it pulls you in and transports you.



The opening track, Genesis, starts the album off with a very cinematic feeling. It quickly builds into a climax before collapsing into Salt in the Wounds. This second track builds itself up with layer upon layer of drums, bass, and a whole myriad of electronic sounds. It's an amazing, rocking track that makes you feel ready to dance, fight, run, and take on anything! Watercolour is next, and is without a doubt one of the most uplifting songs I've ever had the joy of listening too. It is also the first track with vocals, and Rob Swire does an amazing job. Set Me On Fire is next, and is a high-energy song with startlingly intense breakdowns. Crush keeps the pace going, and makes a fantastic driving song that you just HAVE to sing along to! Under the Waves, while less frantic, has an ocean-y and organic sound to it. Immunize is in direct contrast, with a more mechanical sound. Midway through the album we come to the concept tracks The Island, Part 1 (Dawn) and The Island, Part 2 (Dusk). The first has a somber, driving beat with dramatic vocals, while part 2 mixes things up with a cataclysm of techno sounds in place of most of the vocals. Comprachiros, like the other reviewer mentioned, has a definite NIN feel to it, with whispered vocals and a more industrial sound. This is where I have to say the variety Pendulum has is simply incredible. Without ever sounding forced, they incorporate so many styles of dance, dnb, industrial, rock, house, and more into their music. Next we come to The Vulture, another song that simply refuses to let you listen without dancing. Following The Vulture we are treated to Witchcraft, which incorporates more beautiful vocals and moving instrumentation. Next we come to 2 tracks with guest musicians. First is Self Vs Self with In Flames, a rocking metal song that, while you definitely do NOT see coming, is amazing and certainly adds to the mixture this album presents. Then comes the reason I first heard of this album, The Fountain with Steven Wilson of the progressive rock band Porcupine Tree. This is a beautiful, nostalgic sounding track that will make you wonder if you should get up and dance, stare out a window in thought, or both! Steven's vocals are, as always, incredible, and lead perfectly into the finale of the album, Encoder. Encoder serves as a the antithesis to Salt in the Wounds. It ends the album with a moaning guitar, soft acoustic chords, and finally the crashing of waves on the shore.



If you enjoy music in ANY capacity, you owe it to yourself to give Pendulum's Immersion a listen. A+, album of the year, gold star, everything."

Great Album.

Daniel | 07/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just love this album. Every song has something worth listening to. No filler here. What separates Pendulum from many other drum and bass bands is that they actually mix up the beats. This makes every song unique and not overly repetative. If you like drum and bass or electronic music, you will most likely enjoy this album."