Released: January 26, 2024

Genre: Alternative

From: UK

Label: XL Recordings

Why you should listen: The Smile aren’t just a Radiohead side project. Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinner have already created a sound and aura within their music that is striking and emotive, as well as beautifully and masterfully textured and layered. A Light for Attracting Attention, their debut album was a dynamic and groovy one, with at times infectious guitar grooves and melodies, as well as lighter and more subtle moments. It was one of my favourites of that year, and was immediately interested to hear what else they were working on. Wall of Eyes, their sophomore album, has exceeded expectations and more! The first thing I noticed listening to the 8-track, 45-minute album was how warm it sounds. From the gorgeous string sections used throughout that elevate tracks like the singles “Wall of Eyes”, “Friend of a Friend” and “Bending Hectic” (with the latter of the 3 tracks being one of the most beautiful, hypnotic tracks I’ve ever heard Thom Yorke record). The sombre and metaphoric lyricism about losing control of the wheel in a car, the intensity of the guitar leads as the track explodes into life, and the incredible vocals make it a stunning, stunning track. “Read the Room” and “Under Our Pillows” have louder and more defined guitar arpeggios that are striking, with off-kilter melodies and lyrics about the powers that be and asking ourselves whether those in positions of power are really worth listening to. The keys on “Friend of a Friend” are playful and pretty, with a more melancholic tone that’s reflective and vulnerable. “I Quit” is one of my favourites on the album. The basslines and guitar melodies intertwining, the slow-burning and desperate lyricism about quitting and feeling like this is the end. It’s the piano arrangements as well are stunning. It’s more simple, compositionally, but it’s the infectious and continuous groove to the track that is just absolutely mesmerising. The synth-led stunner of “Teleharmonic” is another highlight, with uncertainty and abstraction in Thom’s lyrics that make it a fascinating listen, while the closer “You Know Me!” has this piano-led melody and Thom reflecting on whether he feels understood or “known” by the person/people that love him. It’s a gorgeous moment on the album and one which brings home this idea of sense of identity within a world that is corrupt and lonely. Wall of Eyes is a stunning album captures the aura, pain and introspections of Thom’s voice poignantly through sounds that evoke a warm, beautiful and embracing tone. The Smile’s sophomore album is truly special.

The album: