Without any building hype, Radiohead popped up out of the blue to announce the imminent arrival of their new album, The King Of Limbs, triggering a barely concealable excitement. They then made it an even nicer surprise by releasing it digitally a day early. Cheers, lads. But while we welcomed this album fondly, there’s an uncertain part of us – a hidden part we’re a little ashamed of – that asks “Am I disappointed?”
It’s easy to see why that question could arise. This album marks no great divergence for the band; many of these songs could have appeared on In Rainbows or Hail To The Thief without standing out. Despite not being much shorter than their previous release, these eight tracks total less than forty minutes and could easily leave many asking “Is that it?” Perhaps this expectation is partly due to the album’s sudden appearance; surprise often gives the subject an extra level of urgency upon arrival, urgency being something the band certainly can use to effect, but hardly something they are famed for.
But is there a written law that states Radiohead must dramatically change their sound from album to album, especially when those albums are such a joy to listen to? And should we greedily demand more from the band if they can say all they need to say within forty minutes? It all boils down to expectations. When a band become as groundbreaking and consistent as Radiohead have, it’s incredibly easy to let expectations get in the way of what we have yet to mention; the content.
The King Of limbs is gorgeous, the songs float up around you like a rising mist. To hinder yourself by thinking these tracks are more of the same detracts from their quality; the claustrophobic pulsing of ‘Bloom’, the insistent shuffle of ‘Morning Mr Magpie’ and the tenderness of ‘Codex’. The abstract oddness of ‘Feral’ is an interesting piece, but it comes across as awkward filler sandwiched between ‘Little By Little’ and ‘Lotus Flower’, two of the catchiest songs Radiohead have penned in some time, and the strongest of the album.
It isn’t the greatest Radiohead album. It does feel unfinished, because an album of this grace needs a song that feels like a conclusion, and ‘Separator’ just isn’t that song. But – as ever – the musical skill on show is inspiring, the sounds created mesmerising, and Yorke’s vocals haunting. With the title’s reference to the ancient Wiltshire oak and the fairytale theme of the artwork, fully immersing yourself in this album actually feels like you’re in the heart of a forest. Setting your expectations too high will be the only true disappointment concerning The King Of Limbs. There will be better albums this year, but there won’t be many.
4/5
Phill Harmonic 