Boys Keep Swinging

June 12, 2016, 5:53 pm
Filed under: 2015-2016 Wild Pendulum | Tags: CD, Music, Pledgemusic, Trashcan Sinatras

‘Wild Pendulum’ is the sixth album from the Trashcan Sinatras – and it’s a triumph.

Coming seven years after previous album, ‘In The Music’, Wild Pendulum was released with some help from the band’s loyal fan base, who donated in various ways through their Pledgemusic campaign. You could’ve bought a CD, a T-Shirt, a vinyl, a bedtime story, a guitar lesson or even a guitar itself, if you were feeling flush. It’s been a great campaign for the band and those who pledged have been rewarded with a wonderful album.

There’s a different feel to the songs this time with strings and things driving the music along while the guitar riffs get locked up in the back seat. However, don’t let that put you off, they do get unbuckled for a few lovely solos, particularly on track 7, The Neighbours Place – a track which shuffles along at a pace similar to In The Music’s ‘Oranges and Apples’. There’s also another nice little touch on track 3, Ain’t That Something – about half way through, there’s a wee tip-of-the-guitar to ‘The Genius I Was’ from third album ‘A Happy Pocket’ – at least that’s what I hear.

Simon Dine, who many years ago signed the band to Go! Discs, makes a return – adding some rickety Disney-esque flourishes, and, according to the sleeve notes, some ‘sonic scenery’. The whole thing was then brought together by Mike Mogis. If you’re a fan of the work of Conor Oberst, you’ll recognise Mike as a member of Conor’s Bright Eyes project. Mike has produced and performed on a number of releases on Nebraska’s Saddle Creek label and also sprinkled his magic on two albums by Swedish folk duo, First Aid Kit.

The magic continues on Wild Pendulum…

wp_cover wp_cd part wp_cd_pack Some pledgers became executive producers for the day and got their names printed on the liner notes…

wp_execs wp_redriver wp_spine The artwork and design on the sleeve is wonderful. Designed by ‘How It Is Nowadays’ who are based in Brooklyn, New York.