Wall of Eyes

🎵 Origins & History
⚙️ Musical Landscape
🌍 Critical Reception & Impact
🔮 Tracklist & Future
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Related Topics

Overview

The Smile, an English rock band comprising Radiohead members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, alongside drummer Tom Skinner, released their second studio album, "Wall of Eyes," on January 26, 2024, through XL Recordings. The album's genesis can be traced back to the band's touring for their debut, "A Light for Attracting Attention" (2022), with many of the new songs developed during this period. The recording sessions took place in Greenwood's home studio in Oxfordshire and the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, with Sam Petts-Davies serving as producer and mixer, continuing his work with Yorke after producing his soundtrack for "Suspiria." The string arrangements were performed by the London Contemporary Orchestra, adding a rich texture to the album's sound, reminiscent of the collaborative spirit seen in projects like Radiohead's "Kid A."

⚙️ Musical Landscape

"Wall of Eyes" is characterized by a more improvisational and less explosive musical style compared to its predecessor, "A Light for Attracting Attention." Tracks like the opener, "Wall of Eyes," feature acoustic guitar, strings, and a 5/4 time signature, creating a sound described as "light, lilting, insular" with a "growing sense of unease and discordance." Other songs, such as "Teleharmonic," blend "celestial vocals, soulful bass, rippling synth, and tumbling drums," while "Read the Room" is noted for its "math-rock odyssey" and motorik drum beat. The album's piano-driven track, "Friend of a Friend," has drawn comparisons to the work of Randy Newman and Ben Folds, with its strings evoking The Beatles' "A Day in the Life." The single "Bending Hectic" builds from a detuned guitar to a crescendo, narrating a car crash, a theme that has appeared in Yorke's previous work with Radiohead.

🌍 Critical Reception & Impact

Upon its release, "Wall of Eyes" garnered significant critical acclaim, with aggregate scores of 8.5/10 from AnyDecentMusic? and 83/100 from Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim." Publications like "The Irish Times" praised its "remarkable, sombre majesty" and called it "another classic," while "The Guardian" chief music critic Alexis Petridis lauded it as "imaginative and viscerally thrilling, one of the best things Yorke and Greenwood have put their names to in at least a decade." The album was featured in year-end lists by several publications and achieved top-ten positions on national album charts. The band supported the album with a European tour in March 2024, which included performances with the London Contemporary Orchestra, and a second album recorded during the same sessions, "Cutouts," was released in October 2024.

🔮 Tracklist & Future

The album "Wall of Eyes" features eight tracks, including the singles "Bending Hectic," "Wall of Eyes," and "Friend of a Friend." Music videos for "Wall of Eyes" and "Friend of a Friend" were directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, adding a visual dimension to the album's release. The band also held "Wall of Eyes, on Film" screenings at independent cinemas worldwide, offering surround sound listening parties and exclusive footage. The Smile's discography now includes "A Light for Attracting Attention" (2022), "Wall of Eyes" (2024), and "Cutouts" (2024), solidifying their presence in the contemporary rock landscape alongside their work with Radiohead. The band's continued output suggests a vibrant creative partnership between Yorke, Greenwood, and Skinner, potentially influencing future projects from Radiohead and other artists in the alternative rock scene.

Key Facts

Year: 2024
Origin: United Kingdom
Category: culture
Type: product

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Wall of Eyes"?

"Wall of Eyes" is the second studio album by the English rock band The Smile, released on January 26, 2024. It features Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner, and was recorded in Oxfordshire and Abbey Road Studios.

Who are the members of The Smile?

The Smile is comprised of Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, bass, keys), Jonny Greenwood (guitar, bass, keys), and Tom Skinner (drums). They are also known for their work in Radiohead and Sons of Kemet, respectively.

What is the musical style of "Wall of Eyes"?

The album is described as more improvisational and less explosive than their debut. It incorporates elements of art rock, progressive rock, and post-rock, with notable use of strings and varied rhythmic structures.

Who directed the music videos for "Wall of Eyes"?

Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson directed the music videos for the singles "Wall of Eyes" and "Friend of a Friend."

When was "Wall of Eyes" released?

The album "Wall of Eyes" was released on January 26, 2024.

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