By Jake Mahr
Arts Editor
In June of 2006, Thom Yorke, lead singer and guitarist of Radiohead, released his album, “The Eraser,” marking the beginning of his solo career. Now, Yorke’s recently formed band Atoms for Peace has finally released its debut album, “AMOK.”
Yorke maintains a lead role as the frontman in Atoms for Peace. “AMOK” is certainly a more electronically based album, reminiscent of Radiohead’s 2000 release “Kid A.” However, the album fails to venture too far away from its core sound, revealing little experimentation, and it underutilizes the other musical talents that the group has to offer, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist Flea, and Beck’s drummer, Joey Waronker.
Atoms for Peace consists of Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar and piano), Flea (bass), Nigel Godrich (keyboards and synth), Joey Waronker (drums), and Mauro Refasco (percussion). The same line-up helped Yorke do live performances of “The Eraser” and went on to accompany him at the 2010 Coachella Music Festival under the same name.
The album’s main strength comes from its complexity. There was clearly a great deal of attention paid to the small details. Everything from the ghostly wails in “Judge, Jury and Executioner” to the water droplet percussions in “Ingenue” occupies its own specific spot in the album.
Unfortunately, these little things seem to be placed almost too perfectly. Every drum beat is hit precisely on cue with no margin of error, the synths never stray from their designated, straightforward patterns, and every note seems to line up perfectly. This perfectionism makes the album feel as if it were completely created with computer software, using little to no human involvement or input, thus leaving the tracks with no personality or feeling.
Another downfall to the album is Yorke’s vocals. Although he stays true to his smooth, falsetto voice, as heard in numerous Radiohead tracks, the increased level of synths on the album drowns out his rarely-heard lyrics. In the middle of “Ingenue,” the third track on the album, Yorke’s vocals are completely washed out beneath the percussions and synth bass, making his words almost completely inaudible.
“AMOK” is seriously hurt by its lack of Flea and Waronker. The best parts of the album occur when Flea comes out from under all the synth and electronics and takes the lead with the bass, like he does in the middle of “Dropped.” On the other hand, Waronker, who previously drummed for Beck, Elliot Smith, and R.E.M., can be heard throughout the entire album, but his drumming is weak and static. He constantly follows simple rhythms and beat patterns, revealing none of his talented past.
Overall, the tracks on the album begin to blend together and sound the same. Yorke’s falsetto voice repeatedly fades into the background behind the electronics on almost every song, leaving just simple synth melodies by Godrich and easy, unenthusiastic drumming by Waronker.
“AMOK” isn’t necessarily damaging to Yorke’s career, but it’s definitely not his best work. As of now, Atoms for Peace reveals little ingenuity and will need revisions in sound and overall musical strength and force in order to excite listeners.
“AMOK” is available at most music retail stores as well as a digital download for $9.99
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