Oginalii Pendulum
The tumult of 2020 fueled the creation of Pendulum, the newest record from Nashville, Tennessee's Oginalii. Created in part during the quarantine season, Pendulum stands in stark contrast to the band's well-received debut album Cause & Affection; while the debut album hinted at darker themes and tones, Pendulum swings all the way into the darker and bleaker side of life. Yet Pendulum isn't all bleakness; lead singer Emily Hoeflinger delivers her songs with a deft touch that's both comforting and compelling. One can also hear a grunge influence in Veils, while Perennial Pillars offers their lush take on 80s heavy metal riffs. Pendulum is the sound of a young band delving into the darkness of the era and swinging back out with a truly compelling set of songs that display a sophisticated maturation of their sound whilst building on the foundation of the promise of greatness offered on their debut. While what the rest of 2020 has in store remains to be seen, Pendulum reminds that although dark times may yet arrive, it is only a matter of time before the pendulum swings back. In the meantime, please allow Oginalii's Pendulum to soundtrack the up-and-down swings life brings.