Thom Yorke: The Eraser 
Let me start this review by saying that this is not a Radiohead album I'm about to discuss. This is Thom Yorke himself, the band's leading member and front man. This is a solo performance by Thom and him alone, you will not hear any other member(s) of Radiohead present in any of the compositions, don't even try. If that is something that makes you upset, disappointed or somehow else turned off, you better stop reading any further, because I'm about to praise this masterpiece.
I just felt that I had to stress this part before continuing. With this said, you will definitely read about analogies drawn between Radiohead's music and Thom's first solo effort. Why? Because I believe success and critical acclaim Radiohead has enjoyed over the years have truly fuelled 'The Eraser' and it is honestly difficult to imagine otherwise. Although I do have to mention that Thom himself did not want to even hear the word 'solo' when referring to the album. He has additionally said that this creation is 'blessed' by the rest of the band. Judge the album as you wish.
When speaking of 'The Eraser' it is difficult to overlook almost total absence of that chunky guitar so widely present in many previous Radiohead albums (take 'The Bends' for instance). Yes, 'The Eraser' is e-lec-tro-nic. This album is filled, no, stuffed with computerized, mechanical sounds and other techno glitter that will definitely make you wonder if this piece is emotionally dead and lost in the sea of other tasteless electronica out there. Thankfully that's not the case at all; there's a mighty, powerful substance that ties it all together and raises it high above many heads of those doubtful prior to the release. That missing piece of puzzle is Thom Yorke's vocals.
Make no mistake; many now state that 'The Eraser' is the best vocal effort by Thom so far, and I tend to agree with their testimonials. Some time ago I remember reading several articles that pointed to a possible breakdown of the band and downplayed the importance and role of 'The Eraser'. Oh boy, how happy I am to say that that whole theory is smashed to pieces now – as Stylus Magazine writes – “The Eraser' is a triumph” and I wholeheartedly agree with that!
Admittedly, to some newcomers the album might sound a little bland and lifeless at first, but don't give up, a close listen will reveal a great amount of hidden depth and detail to it. Those tiny little clicks, pulsating beats and wooden blocks will all come together as something very mysterious and intriguing.
There are more than a few compositions that stand out on 'The Eraser'. For example, 'Atoms for Peace' is a very interesting track on the album. It could be found similar to 'Pyramid Song' by those of you familiar with Radiohead's 'Amnesiac'. Here you will also hear Yorke's magnificent chorus 'Want to get out…and make it work', something that touches you deeply. 'Atom for Peace' is a milestone, the central piece of 'The Eraser' to me, and I feel it has one of the best vocal performances by Yorke in years.
Not enough good words could be said about 'Analyse' and 'The Clock' combination; the first takes you over by a storm and the second will not let go. This is probably the best one-two punch I have heard on an album before. This is also where we first hear political references made to Blair and perhaps others. It is certainly made very clear on 'The Clock' with lines such as “you make believe that you are still in charge”. There is also 'Harrowdown Hill' composition that is visibly speaking of strange death of British weapons inspector David Kelly back in 2003. This song is a high-pitched drama with and off sounding beat packaging a nice bomb of a message inside.
However, I wouldn't call 'The Eraser' a political album despite its references to the war in Iraq and other questionable material. I didn't enjoy it as such and perhaps you shouldn't either. It is Thom's perception of the flow and rhythm; it is his way of blending into various odd background noises and his vocals that make 'The Eraser' one of the finest albums I have heard in years. It is difficult, challenging, with only a handful of straightforward songs on it, it is an uphill climb the first twenty minutes and a thrilling, breathtaking ride back down in the second half.
I wouldn't recommend it to those that don't like electronic and experimental music, because that's what it essentially is. The dark mood sets in very quickly and rarely lets you go, and Yorke's emotional tone is as enjoyable as always. This is a chilly, synthetic soundscape of modern electronca that will crawl under your skin. On a special note, I would highly recommend listening to it though your headphones, at night with lights off.
To me 'The Eraser' became an instant classic only after one day of listening to it. Creative and moving, I believe it belongs on the shelf of every music fan. If you are one of those that think electronica is overrated, be my guest and give this a try. You won't be disappointed.
Finally, I read it somewhere that Thom York was concerned with how this album is going to be received once released. Well, let me just say this to conclude: Thom, we have listened to you and we have heard! We have heard!
Track Listing
1. The Eraser – 4:55
2. Analyse – 4:02
3. The Clock – 4:13
4. Black Swan – 4:49
5. Skip Divided – 3:35
6. Atoms For Peace – 5:31
7. And It Rained All Night – 4:15
8. Harrowdown Hill – 4:38
9. Cymbal Rush – 5:15
Posted by P1x44r on 20/07/2006 11:35 
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