it's starting to feel like radiohead will never put out another album, or that we will have to wait many more years for that. taking the smile's output into account, i can live with that.
I appreciate that The Smile can put out two albums in a year, but I don't appreciate that coming at the expense for another Radiohead record. Personally, this ranks third in The Smile's discography from a replay value perspective. Sonically, it sits in between the two previous records, but offers a bit less for me than both overall. However, the run from "Zero Sum" through "Don't Get Me Started" may be my favorite run of their so far.
Surprisingly, my favoured album of theirs from 2024. Feels kinda more relentless and intricate, and a more even listen. And the guitar-driven tracks in particular are genius.
I've found myself coming back to this more than any other album of The Smile's, so that must be a good thing. I think @postmark's positive comments probably ensured I gave it a little more attention than I usually would; I'm glad I did though. As to what I like about it... I couldn't tell you.
(But it sometimes feels too slow for my liking, depending on my mood, so could easily slip down to a 3 when I'm feeling impatient)
The second release this year from the new incarnation of Yorke, Greenwood, and company both condenses and expands their hallmarks: it begins with synthetic reveries but quickly shows that the swift arpeggios and syncopated rhythms from their last two works are here to stay.
Establishing itself as the 'Amnesiac' equivalent to 'Wall of Eyes' could have been enough, but 'Cutouts' manages to go further. It's very good news that there are still itches to scratch in this band.