Cutouts: The Smile’s Compelling Follow-Up to Wall of Eyes
Introduction to Cutouts
Released in January 2024, Wall of Eyes marked the second album from The Smile, the collaborative project featuring Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner. The album was characterized by its knotty, earthy sound and jazz-inflected art-rock, showcasing the musicians’ exceptional talents. Now, just nine months later, The Smile has unveiled Cutouts, an album that emerges from the same sessions but carves out its own distinct identity.
A Continuation of Musical Exploration
While Cutouts could easily be dismissed as a collection of leftover tracks from Wall of Eyes, it stands on its own as a fresh exploration of familiar musical themes. The album features ten new songs that showcase the band’s evolution, with Skinner’s intricate percussion and a composite of synths and orchestral elements forming the backbone of the tracks.
Road-Tested Material
Many of the songs on Cutouts debuted during live performances prior to the release of A Light for Attracting Attention in 2022. This live history translates into strong, cohesive performances, maintaining the band’s improvisational spirit. The Smile operates like a finely-tuned jazz ensemble, navigating through evolving melodies and spontaneous foundations, ultimately achieving a shared musical zenith.
Lyricism and Vocal Delivery
Thom Yorke’s distinctive, twitchy vocals offer a compelling complement to the band’s intricate soundscapes. In “Zero Sum,” he delivers enigmatic lines like, “A gas leak, I’m falling through the ice / A vacant lot to buy,” which encapsulate the song’s fidgety electronic backdrop while leaving the interpretation open-ended. The mention of Windows 95 hints at a nostalgic reflection, drawing parallels to Radiohead’s iconic OK Computer, though the musical essence leans more towards the experimental vibes of Kid A and Amnesiac.
Musical Dynamics
The opening tracks, “Foreign Spies” and “Instant Psalm,” set a cool, atmospheric tone reminiscent of early 2000s Radiohead. However, the music retains a warmth that allows listeners to connect deeply. As the album progresses, tracks like “Eyes & Mouth” and “Don’t Get Me Started” feature slippery guitar lines that weave through pulsating synths, creating an engaging auditory experience. In “The Slip,” Yorke poignantly sings, “A black hole at the center of the galaxy / Being pulled down, nice and easy,” encapsulating the magnetic allure of Cutouts.
Conclusion
Cutouts is not merely a sequel to Wall of Eyes; it is a testament to The Smile’s ongoing exploration of sound and lyricism. The album effectively balances tightly-rehearsed performances with an improvisational edge, all while delving into themes that resonate with both familiar and innovative elements. As a result, Cutouts affirms the band’s position at the forefront of contemporary rock music, inviting listeners on another captivating journey.
FAQs
What are the main themes explored in Cutouts?
The album delves into themes of existential reflection, nostalgia, and the complexities of modern life, often conveyed through abstract lyrics and intricate musical arrangements.
How does Cutouts differ from Wall of Eyes?
While Cutouts shares a musical lineage with Wall of Eyes, it presents a distinct identity with new tracks that explore similar themes through different sonic landscapes and arrangements.
Are there any standout tracks on Cutouts?
Standout tracks include “Zero Sum,” “The Slip,” and “Foreign Spies,” each showcasing the band’s unique blend of art-rock and jazz influences.
What can fans expect from The Smile in the future?
Given the innovative nature of both Wall of Eyes and Cutouts, fans can anticipate continued experimentation and evolution from The Smile, as the band members explore new musical territories together.
