Radiohead - 'In Rainbows' (Unsigned) Released 10/10/07

So four years on and here we have it. Funnily enough we weren’t even expecting it. Who could have predicted a month ago that well over a million people would have legally purchased the new Radiohead album? But now that we have it, let’s not ramble on about how we got it. How about we just listen carefully? The fact that this innovative release method has caused a stir in the music industry is naturally going to be a talking point, but that’s one of the main reasons why people love Radiohead, apart from their music. They don’t stick to the norm. Something that’s evident in website blog-posts, interviews and of course, their songs. Fortunately, the band has surprised the majority once again, with the ethereal sounds of ‘In Rainbows’. 

But if you are a keen listener who has been waiting for the full four years with consistent anticipation, nobody could blame you from being a bit apprehensive. If what you hear isn’t to your liking, what could you possibly do apart from gloom until they release something better? This apprehension kicks in from the moment your computer tells you; “In Rainbows: download complete”. And throughout the first listen of this album, trust me, that anxiety is not going to disappear no matter how re-assured some songs are going to make you feel. But if you’re a non-obsessive, and are simply intrigued, if you need any encouragement to commit yourself to this record, things won't come any better than the opening two tracks. An attention-grabbing first song seems to be Radiohead's favourite party trick. Listening to '2+2=5', 'Airbag' or 'Planet Talex', it’s easy to find yourself drawn into the next track without any hesitation. And '15 Step' once again does the hard work for you. 

The first thing you hear is an electronic, impatient drumbeat. Yorke sets his stance. He already sounds much more confident than on ‘The Eraser’, whimpering "You used to be alright, what happened?" like an unforgiving divorcee. And we’re all led in without any hesitation… But that apprehension feeling you got before listening to this record doesn't take long to return in the five or so seconds of silence between '15 Step' and 'Bodysnatchers’. But once again, all Radiohead can do is re-assure us… Fuzzed bass, layered with guitar-on-guitar riffs practicing how to do a melody, drums staying subtle in the background but keeping a fiery stance, topped with the sugary icing flavour of Thom's vocals. You could fool yourself into thinking you'd already found the best track on the album with ease.

The fireworks haven’t faded away, you're reminded of The Bends-era Radiohead, you demand more and more. And in the form of the next eight tracks you get it. The most pleasing thing about this Radiohead album is that it truly is a Radiohead album. It’s a band effort with instrumentation in its finest form from those who are refusing to sit in the background behind Thom Yorke. Despite his intimidating talent and dominating vocals, the others aren’t going to sit still. Moments like ‘Arpeggi’ do sound remotely similar to those on ‘The Eraser’ – during the first couple of minutes; however it’s after that when the whole band's presence sets in. Phil Selway’s acute drum style, distinctly different from than on any other Radiohead record, is evidently heard. Some will criticise the drums on ‘In Rainbows’. They sometimes sound bare, but you can’t help asking yourself whether that was Radiohead’s intention - to make things a little more sparse and tense maybe?