The Trashcan Sinatras' 2016 album, *Wild Pendulum*, is a significant work for the Scottish indie-pop band, showcasing their artistic evolution and deep connection to counter-cultural ideas. Here's a breakdown of its context and cultural relevance:
The Album and the Band:
Sonic Shift: After a seven-year hiatus, the band released *Wild Pendulum*, which marked a departure from their well-known jangly guitar sound. They embraced a more lush, orchestral, and electronic sound, a move that was generally praised by critics for its adventurousness and sophistication.
Fan-Funded: The album was financed through a PledgeMusic campaign, highlighting a shift in the music industry where established bands can connect directly with their fanbase to fund new projects.
Cult Icons: The Trashcan Sinatras have long been considered cult icons, influencing other Scottish bands like Belle and Sebastian and Camera Obscura. *Wild Pendulum* solidified this status, being a lovingly crafted work for a dedicated and discerning audience.
Cultural Relevance and Thematic Depth:
Stalking the Wild Pendulum": The album's title is a direct reference to Itzhak Bentov's 1977 book, *Stalking the Wild Pendulum: On the Mechanics of Consciousness*. This cult classic explores the intersection of physics, mysticism, and the nature of reality, proposing that consciousness is a universal phenomenon, not confined to the brain.
Metaphor for Consciousness: The band's guitarist, John Douglas, explained that the title refers to an experiment in Bentov's book where one "wild pendulum" could influence others to swing in its rhythm. This serves as a metaphor for the power of individual consciousness, adding a layer of intellectual and spiritual depth to the album's lyrics.
Enduring Legacy: The cultural relevance of *Wild Pendulum* isn't in mainstream chart success, but in its artistic ambition, its connection to esoteric philosophy, and its role as a testament to the band's longevity and willingness to evolve. It represents a unique intersection of indie-pop and profound thematic content, making it a rewarding listen for those who have followed the band's journey.