Radiohead: In Rainbows

Ironically cross-dressed techno/guitar of "15 Step" typifies why In Rainbows is the perfect name for this record. Maybe I’m just a sucker for interpreting album titles, but an analogy about the paradox behind rainbows (the mixing of sunshine and rain to create a thing of beauty) is also a useful way of explaining what has been done here. This is Radiohead through and through; Thom’s falsetto, a strongly topical social conscience, the disconnected imagery (“Everybody leaves / If they get the chance / And this is my chance / I get eaten by the worms”) – it is familiar stuff. But there is also much that is brand new. Whilst lacking any truly groundbreaking musical experimentation, there is a definite forward momentum since last time round.

The opening of "House of Cards" - “I don’t wanna be your friend / I just wanna be your lover” - would sound painfully clichéd in the hands of most groups and is certainly not a lyric I’d have expected on a Radiohead record. Before long though, we’re told “The infrastructure will collapse” as Thom repeatedly wails “denial” over a beautifully ambient electronic melody that rises and falls in counterpoint to his vocals. Some bubbly drumming propels the tune away from outright despondency and there is a hint of expectation in Thom’s voice too.

In Rainbows reflects a degree of tranquillity that Radiohead appear to have found since 2003’s Hail to the Thief.

And perhaps this is the most surprising element here. In Rainbows reflects a degree of tranquillity that Radiohead appear to have found since 2003’s Hail to the Thief. Please don’t misunderstand me – there is not a boring moment in the entire 43 minutes. There’s also some of Radiohead’s trademark existential fear: “Has the light gone out for you? / Cause the light's gone out for me” they complain in the unrelenting "Bodysnatchers". But the lyric “You've got a light you can feel it on your back” (to conclude "Jigsaw Falling into Place") shines with a new-found buoyancy and is not untypical of the new material.

The Oxford fivesome save the best until last. "Videotape" quivers with an impeccable restraint that contrasts with the furious opening to the album, but is just as attention-grabbing. A gentle line of piano builds slowly, before a perfectly self-controlled drumbeat is introduced, as flawless layer is delicately placed upon flawless layer. All the while Thom sings simple lyrics that are simultaneously moving and uplifting; “You are my centre when I spin away / Out of control on videotape” is one of the finest lines they’ve ever written.

The triumph of In Rainbows is the way the band has seemingly evolved and built on previous material without losing their essence; this is authentic, this is exciting, this is Radiohead.

In Rainbows is available for a price you can name yourself here.

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