Feature: Thom Yorke

Refining his sound through an array of genres, Thom Yorke has undoubtedly gifted the world with fine music. Unlike many musicians, his sound has twisted, contorted, and blended in truly dynamic manners. This is why he is idolised by so many, and is what sets him apart from the linear paths too many have followed. A career spanning two decades is something to be proud of, but in the instance of Thom Yorke, it is something more.

Music should be moving forward, taking from the past, but always acknowledging and embracing the new. This is what Thom Yorke has so successfully done, as he crossed from the boundaries of rock through to the electronic. Across Radiohead’s albums a progression from raw guitar to eclectic, experimental sounds is clear, with each album offering something new. The Bends is at one end of a spectrum, whilst King of Limbs and In Rainbows are at another. The former holds beautiful acoustic tracks and distortion heavy guitar. The latter, syncopated drum beats and more spatial feeling.

Somewhere in between, perhaps marked by the descending opening notes of ‘Everything in its Right Place’, Kid A bridged a gap. Introducing more effects and synthesisers, Yorke continued where many had stalled, by no means being content scratching guitar to the millions. His solo work Eraser largely built on Radiohead’s sounds, whilst Atoms For Peace added a fine string to his bow. Teaming up with the infamous Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary and others, Amok ventured further down the experimental-rock avenue. However, it’s not merely the genre; it’s the manner in which he produces music. Lazy production can be the blight of many bands, but as his style progressed, so did the space, the sound quality, the attention to detail. This becomes more evident over time, as effects are exploited, yet have never detracted from the quality. Moreover, what many fans fell in love with was the emotion felt in Yorke’s voice. ‘High and Dry’ showed this, but even a decade on; ‘Reckoner’ reignited that shiver down the spine.

What has been continuous in Yorke’s music is the meaning behind his music. Whether politically or emotionally conveyed, there is so much more to each track. His fans love him, not in the senseless boy band manner, but because his music has torn through to so many on a level only the greatest musicians have reached. His live performance does not shy away from this. As a live act, Radiohead have encapsulated festivals time and time again, whilst performances ‘Live From the Basement’ are well worth the listen. Yorke’s recent DJ set at Manchester’s Warehouse Project reinforced everything that he’s about. Sound delays, cross-fading drum beats and live vocals created an atmosphere not to be missed. It is music you may have heard before, but thereafter it sounds all the sweeter.

It’s hard for one to appreciate a new genre without reason, but what Yorke did was cross the boundaries, inviting you in with open arms. Years on, his music stills surprises, and still strives for more in a truly innovative mould.