Radiohead: In Rainbows

Label: ATO

After a much-publicized original digital release, the seventh album by Oxford’s art-rock maestros has finally hit record stores’ shelves. Upon first listen, the first single, “Jigsaw Falling into Place,” stands out with its catchy, flamenco-like minor-chord guitar intro, motoring krautrock drumming and haunting, sorrowful chorus of backing harmonies. Okay, so this is not an ultra accessible album, but what transpires here is an opus that gradually reveals complex, expansive layers of sonic textures, as demonstrated on “All I Need” where the glacial electronics are soon challenged by a white noise wall of exploding drum cymbals and processed guitar feedback. In Rainbows is a welcome return to the epic song structures of The Bends and shies away from the splintered experimentations of Hail to the Thief. Die-hard Radiohead fans will not be disappointed. (Morgane)