Pendulum cover

Pendulum

Broadcast · 2003

19 min · 6 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the lines between electronic and organic.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pendulum — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its hypnotic rhythm and layered textures that exemplify Broadcast's innovative approach to sound design.
  • →
    Still Feels Like Tears — This track stands out for its emotional depth, merging melancholic melodies with experimental instrumentation that showcases the band's signature style.
  • →
    Violent Playground — Its brisk tempo and unsettling atmosphere highlight Broadcast's ability to fuse pop sensibilities with avant-garde elements, making it a memorable listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases innovative sound design and cohesive atmospheric elements, marking it as a notable entry in experimental electronic music.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a layered synth pad that gradually introduces rhythmic elements, creating a slow build-up.
  • The EP maintains a consistent tempo throughout, with subtle shifts in dynamics that enhance the ethereal quality of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • hauntingly immersive soundscapes
  • brief yet impactful listening
  • engaging headphone detail hunting
  • evocative emotional undercurrents

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer lengthy album experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2003, Broadcast was at a pivotal moment in their career with 'Pendulum', following their critically acclaimed album 'Ha Ha Sound' from 2003. This release marked their continued exploration of experimental electronic music, further establishing their unique sound within the UK music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Stereolab· The United States of America· Air

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Still Feels Like Tears

    The chorus shifts unexpectedly, layering harmonies that heighten the emotional weight of the song without revealing explicit narrative details.

    This structural choice intensifies the feeling of longing and ambiguity, drawing listeners deeper into the song's emotional landscape.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pendulum 4:21
  • 2 Small Song IV 3:40
  • 3 One Hour Empire 1:42
  • 4 Still Feels Like Tears 3:43
  • 5 Violent Playground 2:12
  • 6 Minus Two 4:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata