IN RAINBOWS

I'm writing this review as I listen to the album on my record player ... the vinyl edition is amazing, even topping the limited edition of Porcupine Tree's Fear of a Blank Planet. Interestingly the vinyls are 45 rpm (and 180gr which goes without saying) which is usually only found in audiophile circles. Musically the album is quite strong, with a definitive move towards Post Rock. Overall its quite dark and moody, but also harmonically diverse and an eclectic range of rhythms, sounds etc..

15 Step: A nice melodic up tempo electronic track.

Bodysnatchers: A fast-paced track dominated by hypnotic distorted guitar riffs, elaborate bass lines and weird high-register guitar harmonies. And of course Thom's frantic vocals ... it all works together nicely to create a haunting atmosphere.

Nude: A relaxed track with gospel-like vocals and atmosphere, with haunting effects-ladden strings and eerie background vocals by Yorke. Post Rock fans (Sigur Rós) will love this!

Weird Fishes/Arpeggi: Indeed the song is dominated by arpeggi ... several guitars play them simultaneously, creating the impression of a swarm/school of (weird) fishes. Like the previous track it contains elements of Post Rock including a nice build-up, but this time there's also a fast-paced underlying drum beat.

All I Need: This song has a fascinating bass line ... together with the drum pattern which occasionally ommits a beat it works quite brilliantly. Lyric-wise it's almost a love song but the whole track has an almost nightmarish atmosphere - very surreal, especially when at the end the piano kicks in and all the other instruments also add intensity, creating an immensly dense wall of not only sounds, but also harmonies.

Faust Arp: Acoustic guitars, bass and vocals, accompanied by mellotron-like synths. Reminds me of Led Zeppelin quite a bit, but the harmonies are much more complex and elaborate.

Reckoner: Intricate vocal harmonies and all of the above. Very cool!

House of Cards: An interesting melody, but the other tracks were a bit more innovative.

Jigsaw Falling Into Place: A fast paced track with acoustic guitars and elaborate bass playing ... there are similarities to Bodysnatchers, but it's less distorted and not as dark.

Videotape: Piano and vocals, then joined by bass and heavily syncopated drumming a little later. A sad/melancholic song, typically Thom Yorke.