This is the latest creation from Radiohead, released independently today via their website. I downloaded the mp3 version which was £6 and i've got no complaints really. On initial listen a sense of intrigue overtook me. The album encompasses a plethora of cultural flavours but with a dose of subtlety, experimenting with different influences and mixing them with a modern style. Here's a track by track guide of what i gleaned:
1. 'Bloom'
I'll be honest i'm not really that keen on this track, as an opener for a Radiohead album i can see that it kind of works. There's a bit too much going on, too many layers of overlapping sounds that hold no synchronicity. For me personally i find it a bit annoying and discomforting, but i do however like the fact that it's different and it's obvious immediately that Radiohead haven't been told what to do on this album, and that's good.
2. 'Morning Mr.Magpie'
Again a little disjointed in places, with an awkward drumming/clicking pattern that overlays another repetitive rhythm, this get's in the way of the vocals. It's essentially the bridge between the opening track and the next track.
3. 'Little By Little'
That's more like it! This track displays delicacy, with intricate rolling acoustic melodies, it almost has a cowboy feel to it. The main melody is exquisite and incredibly catchy, you cant help bobbing your head about. The steely strumming in the background could be more apparent and would emphasise that country and western edge.
4. 'Feral'
Almost Salsa in style, it has flair. The ebbing vocals from Thom and basswork flitter in and out cutting through the layered sounds in an innovative way. This would have been a better opener for the album, there's a lot going on but its well constructed. More of an experimental interlude than anything else.
5. 'Lotus Flower'
More identifaible as a typical Radiohead sounding track, it hints towards a similar style of that seen in their previous album 'In Rainbows' and Thom's solo work. The twisting and spiralling rhythm of the song is perfectly reflected by the sublime convoluted vocals Thom weaves through the song. This is probably the stand out track of the album, i just hope that not too many adverts or Skins destroy it.
6. 'Codex'
Beautifully ethereal piano work, it's spine chilling and more similar to work seen on 'Kid A'. Radiohead's skill at crafting haunting atmospheres is demonstrated perfectly through this song. It's a song for a cold day. It has that quintessential suppleness and emotional touch that i love about Radiohead's music. If this song had a label on it it would say 'Listen to while it's raining, preferably looking out of the window of a slow moving train'.
7. 'Give Up The Ghost'
Continuing in a similar ballady style, this track has quite a Folky sound to it. Gentle acoustic guitar work, tweeting bird noises, textured echoing vocals. It shows the diversity of the album. It has that trademark floating sensation that i can only liken to lying with friends in a field in the summer while watching clouds pass by. It transports you to a warm memory.
8. 'Seperator'
A more upbeat track with a slight jazz feel. There's a lightness of touch that delivers a solid catchy rhythm which is perfectly matched by Thom's slithering vocals that meander between the pink floyd esque guitar sounds and Billy Cobham style drumwork. It has a nightime feel, a good one to put on if your just about to go out for the evening with friends. It's uplifting and a great way to end the album, on a high.
All together it's a good album the middle section holds the greatest strength. It begins with confusion, sliding gently to a dream like state and then settling into melancholic bliss. I'd give it an 7/10. Favourite track has got to be either 'Little By Little' or 'Codex'. You can download the album via www.thekingoflimbs.com
