Prepare to be transported into the mesmerizing sonic universe of The Smile as they unleash their latest ethereal creation.
Today, the music world is buzzing with excitement as the enigmatic trio known as The Smile unveils their latest musical masterpiece, ‘Bending Hectic’.
Comprising the remarkable talents of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner, The Smile has captivated audiences with their unique blend of sonic experimentation and mesmerizing melodies.
‘Bending Hectic’, produced by the brilliant Sam Petts-Davies, is a standalone single that was meticulously crafted at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London earlier this year.
What sets this release apart is the enchanting addition of strings by the esteemed London Contemporary Orchestra, adding a layer of ethereal beauty to the already captivating soundscape.
While the song made its debut during The Smile’s unforgettable performance at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in 2022, it remained elusive to fans until now.
Despite not being featured on their subsequent live album, ‘The Smile (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, July 2022)’, ‘Bending Hectic’ quickly garnered a cult-like following through word-of-mouth.
Enthusiastic fans and eager critics alike have been eagerly anticipating its official release, and today their wishes are granted as the single takes its place in the global digital sphere, courtesy of XL Recordings / Remote Control.
For devotees of The Smile, ‘Bending Hectic’ is a gift long-awaited. This release marks the band’s first new offering of 2023, following the immense success of their debut album, ‘A Light For Attracting Attention’, released in 2022.
The album received widespread critical acclaim and was hailed as one of the best records of the year by notable publications such as Pitchfork, Uncut, MOJO, Rough Trade, Billboard, New York Times, and Consequence, to name just a few.
The Smile’s ability to push the boundaries of musical expression while crafting deeply resonant compositions has firmly established them as true innovators in the industry.
With ‘Bending Hectic’, The Smile once again demonstrates their mastery of creating an immersive sonic experience. The track effortlessly blends intricate rhythms, haunting vocals, and rich layers of instrumentation, resulting in a sonic tapestry that envelops the listener.
Each element has been carefully woven together, revealing the band’s relentless commitment to crafting music that defies categorization and expands the boundaries of what is possible.
As the world eagerly absorbs the brilliance of ‘Bending Hectic’, one thing is certain: The Smile continues to push artistic boundaries and captivate audiences with their unparalleled creativity. With each release, they invite us into their sonic universe, where musical innovation reigns supreme.
Stream or Download here.
