Radiohead’s surprise album impresses

My ears are in love.

Radiohead surprised the industry last week when they announced that they would be releasing their new album, King of Limbs. Then they surprised us all again by releasing it a full day earlier than promised.

King of Limbs sounds pretty much exactly how I thought it would based on my first impressions from viewing the album cover. If you're familiar with Radiohead's previous work, I think the album can best be described as a mix of the sound they established with In Rainbows and their 2001 album Amnesiac.

The album opens with the track "Bloom" and sets the stage for the rest of the album. Speaking of "Bloom" though, I would say it was one of my only three complaints about the album. "Bloom" is a good song by typical song standards but disappointing because of what I've come to expect from Radiohead. It just felt a little flat and unfinished.

All is right again with the proceeding track "Morning Mr. Magpie." I would have to say that song, along with "Lotus Flower" and "Give Up The Ghost" are the defining tracks from King of Limbs.

For this album the sound is layered nicely with the vocals being drone like. The album uses lots of drum machines and some sampling, however if you are new to the band this might not be the most accessible album.

Two other minor complaints I have for this album would be the track "Feral." It is pretty odd and alienating for the listener, even for Radiohead standards, however it will probably grow on me like most Radiohead songs do.

Lastly I feel that the album is a bit too short. King of Limbs clocks in at thirty-seven minutes with eight tracks.

If you're a Radiohead fan and have been for a while you will really dig this album. If you're unfamiliar with the band then this album might not suit you so well.

The album will be in stores on March 28th. This marks the eighth album from Radiohead and they seem to be doing just dandy. I have high hopes for any future EPs as well.