Two members of Radiohead (edit: yes, I count Nigel Godrich as a member), the drummer from REM, a Brazilian and a Red Hot Chilli Pepper later, supergroup Atoms For Peace has released a new album and, well, you didn't expect it to be bad - did you?
The album has opened to mainly positive reviews, however, some criticism has been thrown towards it due to its similarity to Radiohead and Thom Yorke's previous solo project The Eraser. There is one glaringly obvious fact being overlooked here - this album is written and performed by Thom Yorke. It's not a blatant rip off of some classic band - its an artist putting his unique signature on some work he has done. Regardless of the general consensus, I found the album very different to The Eraser, and here's why.
Amok has the same jittery electronic beats that Radiohead are renowned for, however, this album has an overwhelming sense of urgency Yorke's work hasn't focused on before. While listening, I felt unsettled (in a good way, of course), with the sixth track, Stuck Together Pieces evoking an inner monologue during an anxiety attack. Yorke's smooth, melancholic vocals are layered above repetitive, jarring sounds to create an energetic worry. The tracks move from the hyperventilation of Default, to the intense yearning of Ingenue, right to the frantic motivation of Judge, Jury and Executioner. Whereas Radiohead is both sad and comforting - seeming to accept the troubles in this world and softly lament about them, Atoms For Peace evokes an in-the-moment panic not present in any previous works.
I also found it a lot more well rounded than The Eraser. Although there are similar themes (as can be expected from any work from the same artist), this improves on its predecessor due to pure scale. Amok is richer - a pair of headphones being a must to ensure the subtleties of the production aren't missed. The same loops and beats are used, allowing the 9 tracks to flow smoothly, yet the genius lies in the layering of the components. The album swells and pulses, with the frantic percussion perfectly combined with the silky guitar pieces. This creates a unique sound, filling the gaps in The Eraser.
Overall, I think this is a wonderful album that has merit on its own back. It may not be Radiohead, but it is a welcome addition to Yorke's catalogue, and I for one will give it many listens. Below is their single Ingenue.
