Pendulum Album: “Hold Your Colour [2005]”

I've never been compelled to write a review on Amazon--until now. Lately, not much in the world of Drum & Bass stands out to me. Finally, this debut CD from Pendulum has pushed the plateau up to an incredible new peak. This is the next level. I haven't been moved like this since the first Dieselboy mix I heard.

Each track on Hold Your Colour is wildly different, spanning the spectrum of DnB styles. There are even a couple of breaks tracks that put the finest Finger Lickin' artists to shame. With unique elements that I've never heard before, it's difficult to categorize some of these tracks--just hang on for the ride. Like the title of track 4, you'll need to "Fasten Your Seatbelt!"

There is not one second of lazy production on this disc. Astonishingly creative and jaw-dropping! It's been a long time since I've bought a CD where I love every damn track!

If you are new to Breakbeats or have experience, "Hold Your Colour" by Pendulum is a must for any collection, producing some great sounds with lyrics that takes early 90's jungle and adds some TNT to the mix. Reminds us of the drum and base venture that "New Forms" by Roni Size was. If you liked that you will love this. Like other reviewers have pointed out, this will make you legs start wobbling by themselves. "Sounds of Life", "Hold Your Coloue", "Tarantula" and "Still Grey" are all fly mixes.

This is a fantastic album and a joyride of sound. It's possibly a sleeper hit---time will tell, but it is doubtless deserved. Pendulum is pushing the genre of drum 'n bass the way that Fatboy Slim pushed breakbeats in the 90's. If you're a fan of electronica, and you're annoyed that you haven't seen anything good in the last few years, here is the answer to your prayers!

Although every song is great, some standout tracks include:

Slam - Simply massive. The epic prelude still can't prepare you for the twisting size of the lead synth, augmented by growling bass, all of which is well-managed by an actual song structure (unusual for d'n'b, or most electronica at all for that matter). Listen to this, and you won't be able to keep still. You also can't seem to turn it up loud enough. I dare you to pull it out of your ears anytime soon.

Plastic World - Seemingly influenced by pop, but it's cool. Several sounds you hear in this song are a meloncholy sax, the creaking of a ship at sea, a man with a Jamacian accent dropping tones, and airy male vocal chords bending throughout. Again, not run-of-the-mill drum 'n bass.

Fasten Your Seatbelt - Wicked. There's a lot of personality in the mischevious rhythm stops and reggae effects, plus a a glut of other percussion, like record scratches, crashes, electro-bells, cymbals and tambourines. But basically, offbeat disco-swing drums throb as the bass pulses like city lights gleaming over a speeding hotrod.

Sounds of Life - Snappy beat. Incredible, lyrical female vocal track by Jasmine Yee. (I mean, it's actually a song. Someone sings. With words.) Thick synths and whirling arpeggios add depth to Jasmine's ethereal voice.

Girl in the Fire - Whoa, what's that? An acoustic guitar? Is that a bossa beat? An electric guitar solo, now? Yes. The heavy, humm-able melody sticks with you, bursts of bright effects popping overhead.

Hold Your Colour - Sounds mystical, alien, inspiring, sad, but simple, like a fleeting piece of advice offered over the phone late at night. Flies straight into an aerial view of....definitely some slammin' drums, definitely bass, but not like anything you've yet heard.

Out Here - It pops! It's fat and dancy, like Slam, but the clean guitar track between sections adds both intelligence and emotion. Builds into the *hottest*, biggest bass chorus that will swallow you whole....five stars!

Thank you, Pendulum. Now go on tour.

I've never really been a fan of D&B (I listen to more Classic Rock and Symphonic music), but once I heard "Slam" -online, with its video- I knew I had to have this album. The funniest thing is that now that I have the album, I realize that "Slam" isn't even close to being the best track. My personal favorite is track 7.

Pendulum did quite well to craft a soundscape with good feeling and energy, without making it feel campy or frenetic.

One of the best drum & bass albums I've heard in years. Very innovative and progressive. Makes me proud to call myself a fan of drum & bass. This is definately going on my top 10 list.