The Smile return with Cutouts, a mesmerizing new album that pushes their artistic boundaries with an assist from producer Sam Petts-Davies, the London Contemporary Orchestra, and Pete Wareham.
The Smile - Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead alongside Tom Skinner of Sons Of Kemet - return with Cutouts, a captivating new album that further pushes their artistic boundaries. This release reaffirms their evolution and collaborative synergy following their critically acclaimed previous works.
Cutouts features ten intricately crafted tracks produced by Sam Petts-Davies, known for his work with artists like Frank Ocean, Warpaint and Yorke's solo output. Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios alongside the band's tour, the album showcases innovative arrangements, including strings from the London Contemporary Orchestra and Pete Wareham’s distinctive flute. The striking visuals created by Stanley Donwood and Yorke enhance the album’s musical themes, offering listeners a rich, immersive experience. Core fans might even recognize several tracks from recent tours, including "Tiptoe," which was sneak-previewed during the Wall Of Eyes: On Film events.
Building on the success of their previous releases, Wall of Eyes and A Light For Attracting Attention - the latter hailed as Album of the Year by Pitchfork, Uncut, and MOJO - Cutouts continues to explore new musical territories.
Beyond the Smile, Yorke created the original score for Daniele Luchetti’s film Confidenza, and toured New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. Greenwood has also been busy, unveiling his work X Years of Reverb at the historic Octagon Chapel in Norwich while crafting the score for Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film, The Battle of Baktan Cross. Tom Skinner, too, has not been idle; he released Voices of Bishara Live at “mu” and tours the jazz festival circuit with his solo projects.