October 2, 2024

The Smile - "Bodies Laughing"


The Smile have shared one more single ahead of their new album, Cutouts.

In two days, The Smile will release their second album of 2024 marking a creative output that we haven't seen from Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood since the releases of Kid A and Amnesiac. "Bodies Laughing" has been a part of The Smile's live show for quite a while, but hearing the studio version of any song from these two always gives new insight into their form. An acoustic lead-off gives ways to a warbling synth moment as Thom's usual croon finds its space between the grooves. As was the case with January's Wall of Eyes, the track nestles into a jazzy template before things really spring to life as Tom Skinner's baggy beats help give the song a loose and airy quality. There's an unusual sparseness that floats along on this tune while the band weaves in and out, at times giving the song some muscle before retreating to more skeletal moments. The end gives ways to a sparkling finish and haunting vocals that hover over the restless groove all before one final stroke of a cymbal that wraps it up in a tightly presented package.

Cutouts is out October 4.

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