“Wall Of Eyes” by The Smile opens with an intriguing promise. Moreover, it immediately establishes a distinctive sound that combines the unmistakable voices of Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. Also, the rhythmic power of Tom Skinner. As the first track on their new album, produced by Sam Petts-Davies, the song sets the stage for what follows, providing a glimpse into the musical synergy of this rock super-group.

The lyrics of ‘Wall Of Eyes’ delve into introspective themes, exploring identity and self-perception. The repeated refrain, ‘I try, but it don’t go away,’ echoes a struggle. The verses paint a vivid picture, describing a journey ‘down a peg or two’ and the challenge of confronting oneself behind a metaphorical ‘wall of eyes’. Also, Yorke and Greenwood’s emotive delivery mirrors the introspective tone, evoking a sense of vulnerability.

Unpolished

Musically, the raw and unpolished guitar sounds add a layer of authenticity to the track. The deliberate choice to avoid overly produced elements aligns with the band’s artistic vision, maintaining a sense of rawness that might appeal to fans of Radiohead’s experimental tendencies. The guitars, although raw, contribute to the overall atmospheric quality of the song, creating an immersive sonic experience.

For me though, I have to rate this track a 3 out of 5. I acknowledge the song’s relatively pleasing sound but I note a lack of a personal connection. The raw guitar effects, while intentional, leave me feeling the track is not wholly complete. Despite this, “Wall Of Eyes” is likely to find a place in playlists, particularly among Radiohead fans.

Overall, ‘Wall Of Eyes’ by The Smile is an exploration that offers an authentic and introspective experience. Much like the divisive reactions to marmite, this song is poised to elicit strong emotions—you’ll either find yourself enamoured or untouched, sadly on this occasion, I am the latter.

You can stream it here.

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Becky Anderson

Journalist at Contact Me

Becky, a passionate music enthusiast, embarked on her journey into music journalism in 2018. Beyond her love for melodies and rhythms, Becky finds solace in the written word, often immersing herself in the pages of books. Yet, her heart truly sings when she's with her close-knit circle of friends, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories. In her articles, Becky's devotion to music shines through, as she introduces readers to fresh, soul-stirring sounds while adding her unique voice to the ever-evolving world of music journalism.

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