Thom Yorke

The Eraser

[3/5] Radiohead worshipers will feast on frontman Thom Yorke’s solo bow while the ’head plot their next move, namely because The Eraser sounds like a proper Radiohead release. In fact, it’s so similar to Kid A, you’d automatically assume the songs were outtakes from that album’s sessions. Yorke’s so-pretty-it-hurts solo album finds him further immersed in quiet, experimental beat rock, with his unmistakable voice-so yearning, so fucking pained and always beautiful-the centerpiece within the disc’s blips, bleeps, loops and subtle samples. It’s also an album that bears repeated listenings (preferably with headphones) due to the amount of layered sonic nuances you can’t catch with one listen. Somewhat mirthless and at times downright android-sexy, The Eraser is what many Radiohead fans have come to expect from Yorke in recent years. If you’re looking for a return to the days of The Bends and OK Computer, you’re SOL. But if Kid A was your Holy Grail, you’ll need to feed your iPod accordingly. (XL) Amy Sciarretto