1 min read

The Smile deliver “gold” for casuals and musical intelligence for seasoners

Rating: 5/6
What: Album Release – 'Cutouts'
Who: The Smile (Artist)
Where: XL Recordings (Label)
When: October 4, 2024
The Smile’s Cutouts fuses angular garage rock, electronic elements, and rich musical influences, delivering a sound both nostalgic and distinct. Photo Courtesy of XL Recordings.

The Smile is indeed a productive ensemble. Greenwood and Yorke’s new album, Cutouts, pulls from a vast history of musical influences, yet it sounds playfully fresh and distinct. The blend of historical nods and their own unique spin truly creates something that feels like it’s in conversation with the past while also pushing the envelope forward.

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The combination of angular garage rock riffs with electronic elements is certainly a hallmark of their ability to genre-hop and create something entirely unique. Tom Skinner’s drumming adds an intriguing layer, while Jonny Greenwood’s sense of drama, through both his guitar work and the overall sonic landscape, remains a key component of the depth of their music.

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Simply put: Cutouts manages to offer “gold” for both casual listeners and more seasoned fans. That is quite an achievement.

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