LOS ANGELES, CA- In an electrifying display of talent and sonic exploration, The Smile took the stage at ACL Live on June 25th and 26th, breathing life into their debut album, ‘A Light for Attracting Attention’. This highly anticipated release, produced by Nigel Godrich, a longstanding associate of Radiohead, showcased the immense capabilities of the trio—Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and drummer Tom Skinner (best known for his work with Sons Of Kemet).
As the fully immersed attendees basked in the sonic landscape crafted by The Smile, any lingering doubts about the project’s resemblance to Radiohead swiftly dissolved. Instead, the live band presented a cohesive unit, embarking on a sonic journey that defied expectations without feeling like a mere rehash. The creative ambitions of each participant found their fulfillment without the need to reinvent the wheel.
Opening the evening with “The Same,” a pulsating synthesizer set the tone, while Yorke’s reflective vocals called for unity and solidarity in uncertain times. The plea for awareness and shared humanity resonated deeply, serving as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by individuals and the collective.
“Thin Thing” and “The Opposite” followed, bursting with energy that reverberated through the entire room. Greenwood’s bass playing, frantic yet seemingly effortless, captivated the audience up close, showcasing his undeniable mastery. It was at this point that the crowd began to loosen up, moving in sync with the music.
Songs like “You Will Never Work In Television Again,” “Skirting on The Surface,” and “The Smoke” served as poignant odes to themes of abuse of power, predatory behavior, the state of the world, and personal anxieties. The trio’s instrumental prowess, combined with Yorke’s unmistakable vocals, lent a haunting beauty to these explorations of reality’s horrors. Each note and lyric punctuated the urgent messages conveyed.
The set encompassed the entirety of the album, which comprised 13 songs, supplemented by some newly issued compositions. Throughout the performance, a deliberate and consistent atmosphere enveloped the venue, as The Smile conjured an intriguing and somber cinematic soundscape. Yorke and Greenwood seamlessly swapped instruments, further enhancing the sense of musical exploration, while Skinner’s complex drum work propelled every song into new, uncharted territories.
As The Smile graced the stage at ACL Live, it became abundantly clear that this project transcends the expectations associated with its individual members. Their performance breathed life into ‘A Light for Attracting Attention,’ allowing the audience to witness the birth of a captivating sonic entity. With their inventive arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and undeniable chemistry, The Smile showcased their artistic prowess and solidified their place as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of experimental music.
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LIVE CLIPS
