In the ever-evolving world of alternative music, few bands manage to both defy and redefine expectations. The Smile, featuring Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood alongside Tom Skinner of Sons of Kemet, is one such group.
The Smile, the side project of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, along with Tom Skinner of Sons of Kemet, is one such band. Their second album, 'Wall of Eyes,' exemplifies this transformative potential, melding diverse influences into a uniquely captivating sound. The album has rightfully garnered significant acclaim, standing as a testament to their innovative spirit and dynamic energy.
This album's mix of diverse styles, raw emotional depth, and outstanding musicianship embodies everything we love about great music.
We’re excited to name Wall of Eyes our January ‘Record of the Month’. This choice was driven by the album’s seamless blend of eclectic influences, its raw emotional depth, and the sheer musicianship displayed by Yorke, Greenwood, and Skinner. It's an album that not only pushes boundaries but also invites listeners into a rich, immersive experience—qualities that we believe embody the spirit of great music.
The Smile’s debut album, 'A Light for Attracting Attention,' was characterised by its funkiness and rage, a visceral outpouring of raw emotion and intricate musicianship. 'Wall of Eyes' builds upon this foundation, introducing elements of psychedelia, 70s German motorik, and orchestral arrangements from the London Contemporary Orchestra. This album, while maintaining the high bar set by its predecessor, is more considered and expansive, growing organically from the band's live performances over the past couple of years.
A Dynamic Soundscape
The opening track, 'Wall of Eyes,' sets a hauntingly beautiful tone with its wintry bossa nova rhythms and Yorke’s ethereal vocals, exploring themes of digital surveillance and personal isolation.
This is immediately followed by 'Teleharmonic,' a track enveloping Yorke's vocals in whirlpool synths, creating a sense of desperate clinging to love amidst chaos. These tracks lure listeners into a trance-like state, showcasing the band’s ability to craft immersive soundscapes.
One of the album's standout tracks, 'Friend of a Friend,' juxtaposes the solidarity of Italians singing on their balconies during the pandemic with a sharp critique of political cronyism. Its Beatle-esque melody is both divine and memorable, marking it as one of Yorke’s most emotionally resonant pieces since 'True Love Waits.'
Musical Innovation
Greenwood’s guitar work is a defining feature throughout the album, oscillating between the experimental warehouse vibes of Can and the alien folk fusion of Robert Wyatt.
Tracks like 'Read the Room' and 'Under Our Pillows' highlight his ability to electrify the band’s sound with alt-rock energy and complex, motorik rhythms. Skinner’s drumming adds another layer of complexity, seamlessly navigating the intricate time signatures and enhancing the album’s dynamic range.
'Bending Hectic,' another highlight, indulges Yorke's fascination with tragic car accidents, transforming the narrative of a disgraced public figure’s final drive off an Italian mountainside into a twisted love song.
The orchestral crescendo, mimicking tire squeals during the crash, underscores the band’s skill in blending beauty with calamity.
A New Direction
'Wall of Eyes' represents a liberation for Yorke and Greenwood, allowing them to explore new musical territories without the towering expectations of Radiohead. The album’s relaxed yet innovative vibe suggests a newfound freedom in their songwriting, absorbing diverse influences more openly. This sense of freedom is particularly evident in the album’s latter half, where the band indulges in more whimsical and spontaneous compositions.
The album concludes with 'You Know Me!' and 'I Quit,' two tracks that encapsulate the band’s ability to blend introspection with musical innovation. 'You Know Me!' reinterprets the concept of a gentle love song, while 'I Quit' combines guitar, piano, and percussion into an arpeggiating Doppler effect, leaving listeners contemplating themes of conscience and brotherhood.
Conclusion
The Smile's 'Wall of Eyes' is a mesmerising blend of jazz, psychedelia, and alt-rock that showcases the trio’s exceptional musicianship and willingness to defy expectations. It invites listeners to explore its intricate layers, providing a home within its eclectic soundscape. As Yorke and Greenwood continue to push the boundaries of their musical journey, 'Wall of Eyes' stands as a brilliant testament to their enduring creative spirit. This album is not merely a side project but a fully realised artistic endeavour that holds its own against the legacy of Radiohead.
