Pendulum In Silico Tour Launch
Tuesday 15th April at HQ

It was all hands in the air, head banging, body swaying, sweat inducing mayhem from the moment the first flick was switched onstage at HQ for the kick off to world acclaimed Drum and Bass group, Pendulum’s, national tour in honour of their long awaited new album In Silico.

Not having seen Pendulum live before, I was pleasantly surprised to find they were not what I had expected; they were far more than I had come to expect from a dance music act. Forget DJ’s standing idly behind the decks these guys are interactive, up front and rocking out big time.

Looking at them; clad in black T’s, skulls and low slung slim fit jeans while stage diving, you’d think they’d be seen rolling round the streets of LA with the rockstar status to match; not local Perth boys.

Pendulum was born in 2002 to Rob Swire (vocals/synthesiser/producer), Gareth McGrillen(bass/producer/DJ) and Paul “El Hornet” Harding (guitar) and managed to conquer the drum and bass world within 12 months. Their first album, Hold Your Colour, selling over 100, 000 units and being remixed by massive names such as the Prodigy.

The last year has seen Pendulum go underground to piece together their long awaited new album, In Silico.

Resurfacing with new additions, Perry ap Gwynedd (guitar) and Kodish (drums) and to kick off their In Silico national tour; Adelaide did not know the treat they were in for; with most oblivious to the fact they were the first to experience the live christening of a lot of these tracks.

It was an amazing sight with the venue packed and people vying for space anywhere they could, taking residence on stairs and ledges in order to secure a view of this mindblowing performance.

As Pendulum fired up the crowd erupted into a thunderous mayhem, seemingly soaking in each and every sound; then came a prompt lull as the initial guitar chords rang out to the harmonious vocals of their first single Propane Nightmares, momentarily allowing the audience to catch a breath before swiftly returning to the thunderous sea of mayhem as the hollow intro was then lifted with an all in sound session for the rest of the track.

For those that have not experienced Drum and Bass; expect an auditory overload. You may feel at first as though you head is going to meltdown trying to decipher so much simultaneous sound, you find it hard to concentrate on one thing. Heavy drums, guitars, vocals, synthesisers and mixers, none of which taking a backseat, all seemingly fighting to be the centrepiece. It feels as though someone is tapping on your temples - ok, this may sound tripped out and no, I was not off my chops when I first listened to D & B - In fact, I was unsure of how to describe my first time listening to D &B so asked a friend and when given this description, he agreed; so stick with me - then after the initial shock, its as if another gear clicks in and you transition into suddenly “understanding” how to listen. You are able to focus and then slide amongst the layers of all that is going on and just enjoy.

Producer and vocalist Rob Swire describes Pendulums music as an escape, wanting people to just be present to the moment when they are listening; and by the look of the surging sea of people during the set, this was certainly achieved - although there were a few loose units on the D*Floor during the warm up acts that looked as though they checked out long before rocking up to the venue.

No pore was left dry, heart and veins re-directed to the sound of a new beat, ribcage almost vibrating out of your chest; one of the most exciting nights I have had in a very long time.

So, if you want to experience something truly unlike anything else get your kicks on and sign up to sign out and escape to Pendulum’s In Silico.


For info, dates and to listen check out www.pendulum.com