By Zack Gill
Staff Writer
Radiohead’s new album, “The King of Limbs,” is yet another record by the group to be released in an unconventional manner.
Announced on Monday Feb. 13 and then released the following Friday Feb. 18, the album’s existence is a pleasant surprise in more ways than one. It is a shame that people continue to discuss the band’s gimmickry instead of the music, because the music is truly great.
“The King of Limbs” is a return to form for Radiohead after the somber (and boring) “In Rainbows.” It manages to relax but never bore. With hypnotic, otherworldly hues drifting through every song, “The King of Limbs” is sometimes haunting and often starkly beautiful.
Opening track “Bloom,” with its spectral piano line and squishy bass, immediately establishes an overarching tone for “The King of Limbs.” The track lulls the listener into a speedy rhythm with plodding, electronic percussion.
If “The King of Limbs” intoxicates listeners with its opening track, it immediately douses them with a bucket of ice water. “Morning Mr. Magpie” has been around for a while as an acoustic jaw dropper, but finds new life as the album’s second track with twinkling guitars and twitchy percussion. It is fascinating to hear the process of Radiohead’s songwriting in action.
There’s a mild shift between the two halves of “The King of Limbs.” While the first is more dissonant, the second half slows things down a bit, ramps up the warmth and reaches a soulfulness not seen since 2001’s “Pyramid Song,” one of Radiohead’s greatest ballads. While the first half trickles, the second half oozes.
Lead single “Lotus Flower” greatly aids the shift in tones and textures. Falling at the middle of “The King of Limbs,” it bridges the two halves of the album with similar percussion, but turns to soulful vocal work. The song is sensual and a bit dark, with a subtly urgent bass line throughout. It’s amazing that this track comes from the band that sang “Creep” less than twenty years ago.
It’s almost impossible not to sway along to final track “Separator.” The tune combines more great vocals from Yorke and lush guitar work. Yorke croons “Wake me up” throughout, and the sentiment is fitting. That’s not to say “The King of Limbs” will put the listener to sleep, but rather will emotionally cleanse the listener.
“The King of Limbs” feels short. (It’s their first album that clocks in at under forty minutes.) “Separator” states that “If you think this is over, you’re wrong.” Perhaps we will see a follow up released soon and in a similar manner.
The self-released “The King of Limbs” is available in digital download on their website for nine dollars and will be available in stores on May 9.
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