The Smile, a band featuring alternative rock veterans Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead and Tom Skinner from the Brit jazz group Sons of Kemet, recently dropped the second single from their highly-anticipated upcoming album.
“Wall of Eyes” is a captivating five-minute song, following the band’s previous release, the expansive eight-minute track “Bending Hectic.” Out this week, “Wall of Eyes” was released with a visually-stunning Paul Thomas Anderson video that portrays Yorke deep in contemplation and solitude, gazing at a projected eyeball. We are then taken through scenes of bustling city streets and crowded bars accompanied with an uneasy ambience. A tense-looking and alert Yorke is present in each chaotic scene, as lyrics like “Is that still you with the hollow eyes? / Change to black and white / Strap yourself in….” play in the background.
With these two singles now resonating with fans, The Smile shared the announcement of their sophomore album, also titled Wall of Eyes. For this project, The Smile enlisted Sam Petts-Davies for production, marking departure from the long-time Radiohead collaborator Nigel Godrich, whom produced The Smile’s record, A Light for Attracting Attention. Recorded in the historic Abbey Road Studios and partially in Oxford, UK, this new musical endeavor from The Smile is steeped in enchanting string arrangements by the London Contemporary Orchestra.
Following the release of the album this January, The Smile will be heading off on their spring European tour for their audience in prominent cities across the eastern hemisphere, including London, Amsterdam, and Brussels and many more. Find dates and information at their website and check out the music video for their new single “Wall of Eyes” below.