When a couple of Radiohead members, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and a drummer from R.E.M. get in a recording studio together, it’s difficult to imagine anything mediocre coming out. Propelled by Radiohead singer-lyricist Thom Yorke, the supergroup Atoms for Peace has managed to produce Amok, a strong debut marked by magnetic bass lines and heavily produced electronics that doesn’t quite meet the standard expected of such a talented yet motley crew.
Although it might seem as if this eclectic lineup might develop a new and exotic sound that showcases the diversity of their musical backgrounds, the product is clearly a follow-up to Yorke’s acclaimed 2006 solo album The Eraser.
In many ways, however, Amok is a much more developed and matured older sibling to this earlier effort. Filled with highly concentrated yet voluminous records that break the barriers surrounding Yorke’s more rudimentary solo ballads, the album reaches new sonic heights.
Filled with dense and lush production, the LP takes the listener on an introspective journey through a dark landscape of sound. The first single, “Default,” features prominent electronic beats mixed with hints of afrobeat instrumentation. Yorke’s vocals, layered with synths, provide a texture simultaneously pleasant and haunting, though a close listener might point out that he’s allowing his voice to become subordinate to the instrumentals.
The opening track, “Before Your Very Eyes…” features alluring audio panning for the headphone listener. “Judge, Jury and Executioner” effortlessly blends electronic beats with clean acoustic guitar picking, and is truly a masterpiece deserving of recognition.
On arguably the best track of the album, “Stuck Together Pieces,” we truly get a taste of Flea’s uncompromising bass line offering, which becomes the driving force of the song. Since the track is such a clear highlight, though, it’s natural to wonder why Flea didn’t have a stronger presence in the rest of the album.
As a whole, Atoms for Peace should be commended for blurring the lines between live instrumentation and electronic arrangement. Accompanied by an unbeatable cast of musicians, Thom Yorke has clearly gathered enough energy to create a truly explosive LP. It’s just impossible to escape the sense that some of that potential was lost in the process.
