Having experimented with everything from IDM to glitch-core with Radiohead, it’s refreshing to hear songwriter Thom Yorke and guitarist Jonny Greenwood embrace alt-rock once again on The Smile’s second studio album, “Wall Of Eyes“. That’s not to say the results are any less challenging than the duo’s earlier work; recorded at Abbey Road Studios, with producer Sam Petts-Davies and string arrangements by the London Contemporary Orchestra, “Wall Of Eyes” lives up to its status as one the most anticipated new albums of 2024 thanks to moments such as Yorke’s flirtation with hypnotic bossa nova textures on its title track and the lushly hypnotic folk that frames “Bending Hectic”. “I turn up with a bunch of phone recordings; doodles that are not even edited or formed and are fairly shapeless,” Yorke told NME of his songwriting process for the record. “We put them into shape then this thing appears that has this momentum.”
Anchored by the welcome input of jazz drummer Tom Skinner (Sons Of Kemet), Yorke’s thought-provoking songs of ambient-pop despair and psych-folk melancholia carry surreal and atmospheric undertones, easily making “Wall Of Eyes” one of the most richly rewarding listens among the best albums of 2024.
The Smile‘s second album, “Wall of Eyes” was released early 2024, following on from a hugely successful first release, “A Light For Attracting Attention“. I love this album. For me, The Smile have conquered the second album fear. The songs seem to have been approached in a way that makes this record feel incredibly wise and transformative. Sounds and textures so deliberate, alongside the words and melodies, creates some beautiful and complex stories. Although criticism depicts this album to be less of a treasure in comparison to their debut, I disagree. I would urge everyone to give this entire album a proper listen. It’s raw and brilliant and definitely worth the 45 minutes.
The Fat Angel Sings 