The Smile to Release New Album "Cutouts" This October, Showcasing Experimental Sonic Evolution

The Smile to Release New Album “Cutouts” This October, Showcasing Experimental Sonic Evolution

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The Smile, the innovative trio comprising Radiohead members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, along with drummer Tom Skinner, are set to release their highly anticipated third album, Cutouts, on October 4th via XL Recordings. The album emerges just months after the band’s sophomore effort, Wall of Eyes, and promises to push the boundaries of their already eclectic sound, incorporating a diverse range of influences and experimental techniques.

Cutouts was recorded during the same sessions that produced Wall of Eyes, at both Oxford and Abbey Road Studios, with production helmed by Sam Petts-Davies. This project continues the trio’s exploration of genres such as post-punk, proto-punk, and krautrock, blending them seamlessly with their signature elements of jazz and progressive rock. The album’s intricate string arrangements were crafted by the London Contemporary Orchestra, adding another layer of depth to the band’s already complex soundscape. The album artwork, painted by Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke during the recording process, further reflects the creative synergy within the group.

The Smile’s recent work, including their 2022 debut A Light for Attracting Attention and Wall of Eyes, has garnered widespread acclaim, with Wall of Eyes achieving significant recognition on the UK album charts and being praised by outlets like Pitchfork and Consequence. Cutouts is expected to continue this momentum, offering a fresh batch of ten tracks that were previewed during The Smile’s UK tour earlier this year. The band’s willingness to experiment with different genres and soundscapes has set them apart, earning them a reputation for creating music that is both innovative and deeply resonant.

Beyond The Smile, the individual members continue to make their marks in the broader music world. Thom Yorke has been busy with solo projects, including the original score for Daniele Luchetti’s film Confidenza, while Jonny Greenwood has debuted a new musical work, “X Years of Reverb,” and is composing the score for Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film, The Battle of Baktan Cross. Meanwhile, Tom Skinner has been touring the jazz festival circuit, performing his solo music, and released Voices of Bishara Live at “mu”. This constant creative output from the trio, both collectively and individually, suggests that Cutouts will be another significant contribution to their evolving legacy.

With Cutouts, The Smile continues to redefine their sound, blending the experimental with the familiar, and offering fans a deeply engaging listening experience that captures the essence of their dynamic collaboration. As they prepare for the album’s release, anticipation is high for what promises to be one of the standout records of the year.


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