The Smile's 'Wall of Eyes' Feels Like a Comedown
A review of The Smile's new album 'Wall of Eyes'
A Different Band with Inevitable Comparisons
The Smile is a band composed of Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood from Radiohead, along with percussionist/keyboardist/backing vocalist Tom Skinner. While comparisons to Radiohead are inevitable, The Smile is a noteworthy band on its own. This is not just a cash-grab side-project, and they prove it with 'Wall of Eyes', the follow-up to their previous album 'A Light for Attracting Attention'.
Despite the comparisons, The Smile stands out as a unique beast in the music industry. Thom Yorke practically coos through the bouncy and hectic track 'Wall of Eyes' which sets the tone for the sophomore album. The song features piercing strings courtesy of the London Contemporary Orchestra, creating moments that soar and dive in waves. It's an unsettling and captivating experience that showcases the band's talent.
Skeletal Arrangements and Drifting Soundscapes
'Teleharmonic' is a feat in skeletal arranging, with a hypnotic, oscillating drone as the backdrop for Yorke's reverb-drenched voice. The cracking rimshots and light cymbals add texture to the song, highlighting Tom Skinner's percussive talents. 'Bending Hectic', a Yorke song about a car crash, takes inspiration from Greenwood's film score work. With a sludgy and distorted finale, it acts as a wake-up call to the rest of the album.
While these tracks showcase the band's musical abilities, Wall of Eyes falls short in terms of dynamic bombast compared to their debut. The album lacks the pressing and chaotic energy that gave their first album its character. Skinner's drumming, known for its complex and hard-hitting rhythms, feels under-utilized. The longer runtimes of the songs also contribute to a lack of cohesion and tension, ultimately impacting the overall experience.
An Album of Background Music
Wall of Eyes may be seen as a collection of songs that didn't quite make the cut for their debut album. The extended jams and undercooked nature of the tracks result in an album that feels like background music. It doesn't capture the same sense of turbulence and urgency that made 'A Light for Attracting Attention' so compelling. The lack of a necessary high leaves the listener wanting more.
Overall, The Smile's 'Wall of Eyes' is an album that falls short of expectations. While the band's talent shines through in moments, it fails to capture the same magic as their previous release. It's a comedown without the accompanying high that leaves listeners wanting more.
