English alternative rock band Radiohead released their ninth album, “A Moon Shaped Pool,” on May 8 and gives listeners a meandering work packed with tons of well-executed variety.
From a musical sense, “A Moon Shaped Pool,” is diverse and only united by a recurring orchestra, as well as the calming, yet depressing atmosphere that surrounds the album.
The first song, “Burn the Witch,” is orchestral from the get go with antagonistic strings played in short, quick notes that flow into one another. However, there is a balance here in this album with electronic influences. Behind Thom Yorke’s vocals and the acoustic, plodding piano lies subtle guitar squeals at the end of “Daydreaming.” There is a marriage here between classical and relaxing instrumentation and chaotic, spectral noises generated by electric guitars and synths.
The electronic manipulation in “Glass Eyes” takes a piano and makes it ear-catching and fascinating to listen to, then as it fades into a simple piano scale. Orchestral swells provide a soothing, but sad vibe that is sublime in its loneliness. It is almost reminiscent of parts of the “Minecraft” score.
“Desert Island Disk” departs from the typical classical sound and adds an acoustic guitar that is almost bluesy in style. “Ful Stop” is intensely dissonant with a driving bass line that provides a post-punk flair to the record.
I could go on. Each song is fantastic in it execution. The variety provides excitement and a liveliness to the record that makes it feel like organs in a cadaver: organic, connected, yet individual.
However, those that aren’t familiar with Radiohead’s previous work may find them an acquired taste. They tread the line between rock and avant-garde, and are experimental in their work. Radiohead is not the typical rock band.
All in all, I would recommend this album to anyone looking for a new experiment from the alternative rock monolith that is Radiohead.
