Photo by Frank Labon

The announcement of a new album by the Smile won’t fully quell Radiohead stans holding out for hope that 2024 may mark the return of the band, but you really can’t be mad about it considering Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner’s 2022 debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention, was way better and more considered than any offshoot featuring members from incredibly successful acts. That their sound doesn’t stray too far away from Radiohead’s sonic strengths softens things as well. And so, “Wall of Eyes”, the title track and lead single from their second LP, does just that as it floats into view like a strange aural phenomena where acoustic guitars open portals to Yorke’s vocal apparition and winking keys. Before you know it, you realize you’ve found yourself surrounded in a space transformed by the sounds around you. “So strap yourself in,” Yorke sings in warning, before starting the countdown. This, again is the Smile in a state of transfiguration.

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

The Smile’s Wall of Eyes will be released January 26th on XL Recordings.