The Smile Unveils Third Album, Cutouts
After a series of cryptic clues and teasers, alternative supergroup The Smile, consisting of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner, has officially announced the release of their third album, Cutouts. The highly anticipated LP is set to drop on October 4.
In a statement, the band said: "We lovingly submit our latest 45-minute (?) record Cutouts, to be swallowed up by the fast running stream, down into the giant ever-growing river and on to the sea." Cutouts is available for pre-order in compact disc, black or white vinyl, cassette, and digital formats.
Alongside the album announcement, The Smile has also released two new music videos, for "Zero Sum" and "Foreign Spies." These are accompanied by a complete track listing and stunning album artwork, featuring a painting by Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke.
The internet has been abuzz with speculation surrounding the album’s themes and meaning. As fans worked feverishly to decode the clues, one Instagram post was interpreted as spelling out the words "three zero sum" using a Polybius cipher, with the best guess being that these hinted at song titles.
Meanwhile, a quiet release of a new single in early August featured a studio version of the 2024 concert staple "Don’t Get Me Started," backed by "The Slip." Fans believe the song will be the sixth track on the album, and this proved true upon the album’s announcement.
The Smile’s Music History
Cutouts is the band’s third full-length album, following A Light for Attracting Attention in 2022 and Wall of Eyes earlier this year. Their debut, A Light for Attracting Attention, reached number 5 on the UK charts, and The Smile also released a pair of live recordings after its release.
Album Details
The Smile’s latest offering is produced by Sam Petts-Davies, with string accompaniment from the London Contemporary Orchestra. The album art was painted by Stanley Donwood and Yorke during the recording process.
The Smile’s New Album: Cutouts – Track Listing
- "Foreign Spies"
- "Instant Psalm"
- "Zero Sum"
- "Colours Fly"
- "Eyes & Mouth"
- "Don’t Get Me Started"
- "Tiptoe"
- "The Slip"
- "UGcgWGFkcWE="
- "Bodies Laughing"
Why Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ Was Initially a Failure
In an accompanying article, read about how Radiohead’s iconic hit single "Creep" was initially met with criticism and failure upon its release.
Concluding Notes
The Smile’s Cutouts promises to be a deeply personal and introspective exploration of human connection and disconnection. With the release of the album’s cryptic teasers and music videos, fans can expect a truly immersive and emotive listening experience. We eagerly anticipate the album’s arrival and look forward to diving deeper into its themes and music.
FAQs
- When will Cutouts be released?
The Smile’s third album will drop on October 4.
- What inspired the album’s artwork?
The album’s stunning cover was painted by Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke during the recording process.
- Who is credited with the album’s production?
The album is produced by Sam Petts-Davies, with string accompaniment from the London Contemporary Orchestra.
- What did fans deduce from the Polybius cipher on Instagram?
The fans believed that the cipher spelled out the words "three zero sum", potentially hinting at song titles on the album.
- When can fans pre-order the album?
Fans can pre-order Cutouts now on compact disc, black or white vinyl, cassette, and digital formats.
- Is this the Smile’s third studio album?
Yes, Cutouts marks the band’s third studio album, following A Light for Attracting Attention and Wall of Eyes.
