Radiohead
In Rainbows

THE REVIEW

After four years away from the scene, Radiohead has finally completed the recording of their latest work "In Rainbows." This new sonic adventure was much discussed prior to its release, due to the innovative digital distribution system used for its market launch, designed to arrive at a compromise on the longstanding issue of the sale price of music products.

"It's up to you!" This is the revolutionary formula adopted that allows every internet user to purchase the product at the price they estimate. In fact, the tracks can be downloaded only from the band's official website as of October 10 of this year. Another novelty, and where the band led by Thom Yorke stays true to form, is the release of the "deluxe edition" of the same album, called "discbox," which includes the "In Rainbows" CD, a bonus CD containing 8 additional songs, a vinyl edition of "In Rainbows" contained in two discs, and an artbook. Edition available for pre-order from the website for 40 pounds (around 57 euros).

Soon, even we mere mortals, particularly those attached to tradition, will be able to purchase a "normal" copy of the album in CD format (but only from December 31!). A whole series of innovations ancillary to the main project that do not end up diverting attention from the audio content.

In fact, the five from Oxfordshire have returned to their roots, transforming a box into their new recording studio where they've found new energy to write another chapter of their new musical saga characterized by the use of a varied but simple arsenal (lo-fi recordings, use of repeated samples to create continuity effects, groove in the foreground).

Intimate atmospheres, random rhymes that accompany us throughout the track, forcing us to listen to its resolution, demonic howling guitars, trembling and evocative voice. And this is precisely one of its trump cards: the leader's voice, more than at other times, here, is modulated in a different and more varied way, without ever overdoing it ("Reckoner"). Another distinctive element is the prominence of the drums, especially in the tenth track "Videotape." A few more words should be spent, in my opinion, on the piece "All I Need": a text steeped in deep melancholy, for everything that's needed but has now lost interest. A return to simplicity and lightness reminiscent of the soundscapes of the Scottish band Belle and Sebastian in the song "Faust Arp." There are also tracks that remind us of their previous albums. Exemplary "15 Steps" very similar in musical structures to "Idioteque."

In short, a well-balanced album, which does not overindulge in excessive experimentation and which, from the very first listens, presents itself as a much more accessible work compared to previous ones. To be listened to in one breath.