Review Summary: Mastered tonality.
Shoegaze is often about layering. In fact, it’s dependent on the concept of creating so much distortion that the effect itself becomes its own layer, often prompting the listener to pick apart the fragments. Alter’s 2017 EP,
Pendulum, is set up as just this but in more than just one form as the album is also an exercise in both tone and atmosphere. They manipulate and paint tone in extraordinary yet intense fashion, proving their worth within the muddied "gaze" scene. On a first listen, it is easy to identify that the six-song EP is split up into three, two song parts due to the subtle differences in instrumentation. Further dissection, however, reveals three distinct shades of moods: fear, realization, and dread.
shall I fear or shall I live?
At first, fear is apparent due to both the sound and atmosphere as the first two tracks swirl around in a cloud of anxious dynamics. Both songs rely heavily on the strength of their peaks as the drumming is often bold and loud, prompting similar responses within the rest of the layers. The guitar soars within its own fuzz, melodically leading the way for the vocals to swoon in their self-described “post-dawn” nature. However, it’s the lyrics that perfectly nail down the tone of fear as they are the epitome of self-doubting. With lines like “
I see this stranger in the mirror", and “
in this momentary life I’m lost in mystery”, it’s haunting how well the relatable apprehensions match with the instrumentation of the two songs.
my world becomes clear, fear disappears
Yet, the next two songs shift ever-so-slightly in both their tone and their overall meaning. As the title track begins, the floaty melody naturally drifts into a “weightless” release and the vocals match the intensity of this epic piece. Letting go is the first part of realization, and Alter takes its listener into the outer realms of this feeling. Naturally, the response to this would be a climax depicting the moment of realization and although ‘Inner Eclipse’ doesn’t stray away from this sensation, the concept itself turns into a grim and painful experience. As the cymbals’ hits turn into a sea of crashes, the singer’s helpless yelps fade away into a storm of gloom. The line, “
It reminds me that the world governs our minds” is a definitive acceptance of the lack of control yet also a plunge into the consequences that comes with this ideology.
this storm will occur
As with any intense moment, reflection must occur, and musically this is seen with a change of dynamics and tone. ‘The Storm’ brings a moody yet calm style in order to properly cap off the previous two concepts. While it prods along in its dreary melody, the song quite literally turns into itself, churning into dark clouds while always threatening to downpour. The final track sees a more restrained continuation of this tone of dread and as the lyrics “
purpose unknown” fade into the background, it is clear the band has settled on this terrifying feeling of anticipation. Disassembling the parts to this album reveals both its true intentions and a coherent three-piece journey. Alter creates an experience in a way that capitalizes on the strengths of the genres the band resides within, and
Pendulum helps you learn how to peel back these layers in omnifarious manners.
