Radiohead "King of Limbs" (TBD Records) Released March 29, 2011

The main focus of the songs still seems to be vocalists hauntingly captivating voice Thom Yorke who also plays piano on the album. The band is rounded out by members Johnny Greenwood whose subtle guitar playing and keyboards add depth to much of the album, Ed O’Brein also on Guitars, Colin Greenwood on Bass and Synthesizers and Phil Selway on Drums and Percussion. Radiohead seems to have embraced a more melodic rock style with many other aspects included into their music. They accomplish this by the use heavy synthesize use and electronics in general. This album takes you on a very intense sonic journey.

The album starts out with the track “Bloom” that has a short piano intro which is followed a very jazzy feel to it due to the simplicity to the drums and ambient sounds. This trend seems to flow the entire album. As the song progress the more the song with its electronics flowing through to the listener’s ear and into their core. The album provides with you a haunting ambient feel throughout the whole album showing that both Greenwoods had heavy influence on many of the tracks especially on tracks such as “Separator” and “Lotus flower.” Sending you into a dream- like state or a heavy drug binge however, you want to look at it.

The song “Little by Little” reminds also has this with a 70s acid-trip songs with its strong groove that puts you into a trance like state where you want to close your eyes and just flow along with the song and let it move your body like traveling down a river on a beautiful lazy summer day. This is in stark contrast to other tracks like “Feral” with its fast up-tempo pace and Yorke’s vocals are almost eerily creepy and memorable. With highs and lows that take you on an introspective type journey through the mind and soul. Morning Mr. Magpie is probably my favorite song off the album also containing a more up-tempo pace with a melodic rock with the right amount of electronics behind that do not overpower the song. However this combo makes the track a little more distinct from the rest of the tracks and of course being a very enjoyable listen for me. “The Codex” with its piano and violin is a somber song for the soul. Yorke vocal intertwine with lyrics seamlessly.

This is definitely a band that has changed their sound and imaginative approach over the years. They always seem to be reinventing themselves with each album they have made. However, that slow down only seems to be in the feel of the songs as they have taken on a more melodic avant-garde feel to their music taking you on a sonic journey through introspective lyrics and a dream like state. They have obviously shown there staying power as the album as a whole is very good and well put together album. With songs that have the ability of multiple replays without becoming boring. However, would this be an album I would go out looking for probably not as it’s not in my normal tastes of music. Am I inclined to possibly seek out more of their music now well that answer is simple? Yes.

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