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"The Smile continue their work of sonic deconstruction in 'Wall Of Eyes', a complex succession of protean motifs blending shoegaze, post-rock and progressive influences."
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4/5
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Just under two years after the release of their debut album 'A Light for Attracting Attention', supergroup The Smile, made up of Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood with jazz drummer Tom Skinner, are back with a second opus, "Wall of Eyes". More daring and experimental than its predecessor, this new album explores the frontiers of alternative rock, shoegaze and progressive music, once again offering an experience far removed from current musical standards.
Indeed, "Wall Of Eyes" is a coherent whole that doesn't allow you to quickly release one or two singles to put them in a playlist and forget about the rest. You won't have to be afraid of being jostled or even disturbed by the dark and mystical atmospheres, the tonal changes and the dissonances that punctuate many of the tracks ('Read The Room', 'Bending Hectic'). Thom Yorke's characteristic vocals soar above these sonic experiments, in a style often reminiscent of Sigur Ros, delivering lyrics as enigmatic as ever (Yorke himself says he throws away the text when he understands what he means) about surveillance and the loss of control in a world saturated with images.
There are moments of grace and beauty, however, in delicate compositions such as the vibrating 'Wall Of Eyes', with its faux bossa nova feel, and 'You Know Me', a quiet interlude that brings the album to a close. Tom Skinner plays his part, adding his percussion to the hypnotic aspect of certain tracks ('Teleharmonic') or bringing in some more Art Rock colours. As for Jonny Greenwood, he deploys his unique sound palette, using guitars, keyboards and electronic effects to create complex, evolving atmospheres, sometimes bordering on the schizophrenic or even the hallucinatory.
"Wall of Eyes" is not an easy album to get to grips with. It needs time and attention to be fully appreciated. But for those who immerse themselves in it, it offers a rich and unique musical experience that testifies to The Smile's boundless creativity. Following in the footsteps of its members' previous work, while exploring new sonic and thematic territories, it is sure to leave its mark on fans of alternative rock and experimental music. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Wall Of Eyes
 02. Teleharmonic
03. Read The Room
04. Under Our Pillows
05. Friend Of A Friend
06. I Quit
07. Bending Hectic
08. You Know Me
LINEUP:
Jonny Greenwood : Guitares / Basse / Claviers
Thom Yorke : Chant / Guitares / Basse / Claviers
Tom Skinner: Batterie
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (3 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH THE SMILE
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT THE SMILE
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