The Smile - Bending Hectic 

Thom's voice ages like fine wine... Such a magnificent voice

Witnessing Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood's excitement for this new project is awesome and the result is magnificent

You only get one chance to listen to this song for the first time, make it count

When the strings hit, I lose my mind. When the guitars hit, I just wanna die. So good. So so good. ☠️

No words for this song. Those dissonant strings into the face melting guitars, holy lord above

I love how it goes from "I have these slings, I have these arrows" to "Despite these slings, despite these arrows". It really gives the emotional appeal of going from an uncertain and unconfident situation to one where you know you can do it and overcome the situation you are in to turn things around.

This is one of those perfect songs and nothing I could say could express how good it is. Every note, every transition, the lyrics, the meaning, everything is pure poetry and pure music and I'm just in awe about it

I had the privilege of seeing them play this live last year. It was such a beautiful, off-kilter song… then Jonny hit the distortion pedal. From that moment I was obsessed with this song. The vast majority of musicians create their best stuff early on, but Thom and Jonny somehow keep raising the bar. Can't wait to hear the stuff they put out when they're 80!

Holy shit, this sound amazing. The string swell leading into the second chorus gave me major goosebumps.

It's not just the best song from The Smile, but I feel it's among the top 5 songs I have ever heard. The way it's presented along with the emotional roller coaster it brings out of the listener is shocking. It fills me with peace, then sadness, then terror, and finally a sense of over coming hardship that is something truly remarkable. I feel that I can't listen to it too often because it's exhausting to do so. I want to thank Thom, Jonny , Tom and anyone involved with creating this song. It's brilliant.

This is right up there with the Beatles A Day in the Life for me... I haven't felt this way about a song in years.

An instant classic, this is the greatest song I’ve ever heard.

This song sounds like all era's of Radiohead and Jonny Greenwoods film worked crammed into one epic 8 hour adventure.

It's early but I am confident to call this my song of the year already.

The Smile dropping new material, our days have been made.

This really follows the typical Radiohead new song cycle, doesn't it? First listen: This is pretty weird, meh 2 to 4 listen: Okay, I can see this song is pretty good 5th listen and onwards: This is absolutely the best music I've listened to recently, how do they keep doing this?

Hearing this live was unbelievable, seriously, the intensity of the end of the song can't be felt from a studio recording like this

The dissonant orchestral section brings to mind Johnny's amazing score on There Will Be Blood.

[Verse 1] I'm changing down the gears I'm slamming on the brakes A vintage soft top From the sixties [Verse 2] We're coming to a bend now Skidding 'round the hairpin A sheer drop down An Italian mountainside [Verse 3] Time is kind of frozen You're gazing at the view Now I'm sure I'm seeing double [Pre-Chorus] No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how I'm letting go of the wheel It might be as well It might be as well [Chorus] Despite my slings Despite the arrows I'll force myself to... I've got these slings I've got these arrows I'll force myself to turn, turn [Verse 4] The ground is coming for me now We've gone over the edge If you've got something to say Say it now [Pre-Chorus] No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how And I'm letting go Of the wheel [Chorus] Despite the slings I got my arrows I'll force myself to I got my slings I got my arrows I'll force myself to turn [Outro] Turn Turn Turn Turn Turn Turn

You can't understand how special and incredible this album is 'till you listen to the whole thing at least three times... Than you can get into his real vibe and love it forever as the masterpiece it is...

I swear, every song thom/johnny writes, on first listen I'm always like, "eh, it's alright" then after the eighth listen I'm like, "oh, this is one of the best things I've listened too"

Omg the strings, Thom’s voice, woozy and epic and gorgeous. 🤯❤️

The Smile have helped me through the hardest times. LOVE from Ukraine

This has me so hyped for their second album! Brilliant song guys!

I'm certain The Smile is the best thing that's happened to music during the pandemic

As much as I love A Light for Attracting Attention, this song could have been the perfect closer. It's beautifully chaotic and cathartic. The studio version sounds huge.

I think it's very cool that they have a consistent visual identity. I hope they keep it for the whole of the second album.

One of the greatest clean-guitar- into-distortion-moments I've listened to in a while.

that ending is magnificent. almost sounds like boris, but with a lighter, more uplifting edge to it. probably the heaviest thing thom and jonny have ever written, and god i want more like this. its monumental

Stanley Donwood's imagery is mastery.

Damn... Looks like this is instantly my favourite The Smile song So beautiful and insightful

You either get it or you don’t. I braced myself for my husbands response when I played this. I now question my relationship . This song is sublime.

Reminds me of when I tuned my guitar, but usually the string would break 😂 When The Smile writes a magnificent song around that simple and fragile note. Thank you Jonny for that adrenaline rush. And Thom's singing these lyrics is magnetic.

i'm getting vibes of many radiohead songs in this, pieces of sail to the moon around the first 2 minutes, daydreaming at around 3 minutes in, then pyramid song, the numbers, in limbo, and a few others rattling in the back of my head

That string induces an inevitable goosebumps. You can't prevent it.

Never clicked so fast. We are lucky to have Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood among the living earthlings

I attended The Smile concert in Ferrara, Italy last year. I think that was the 3rd or 4th time playing this song live, and i remember listening to this made me fly. It felt so much like an In Rainbows track, much live and organic and so, so complicate and easy at the same time. I was curious about how they would record it in studio, sometimes in Radiohead they arranged some very organic tracks in a sort of eletronic way, same for Thom Yorke solo albums. This time, it is just strings, and they feel so amazing!!! The switch from the first to last part with that "disturbing" crescendo and then the guitar, it is so much on point it makes me want to scream. Very similiar to the live version, same mood and vibes. Just perfect.

the best song of 2023

How do these guys keep making masterpieces over and over again? I'll never understand.

I love the renewed enthusiasm and joy in this band. It feels like they can make what they want without being boxed in to some old brand. While the music might be "down", the joy in the process shines through these tracks.

Immerse your soul in love.

Woah, that string build into the distortion was incredible.

I'm changing down the gears I'm slamming on the brakes A vintage soft top from the '60s We're coming to a bend now Skidding 'round the hairpin A sheer drop down an Italian mountainside And time is kind of frozen And you're gazing at the view And I swear I'm seeing double No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how I'm letting go of the wheel It might be as well It might be as well I've got these slings, I've got these arrows I force myself to I've got these slings, I've got these arrows I force myself to turn, turn The ground is coming for me now We've gone over the edge If you've got something to say, say it now No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how I'm letting go of the wheel Despite these slings, despite these arrows I force myself to Despite these slings, despite these arrows I force myself to turn, turn

woooooowwwwwww... the way it just kept building and building... those screaming violins...wowwww

Many will love this song, Many will hate it. But, NONE will ever forget it.

This song is bending my mind. This, along with Thin Thing have been such an experience - love hearing Jonny crank that distortion pedal again.

The lyrics when you get the meaning are some of their best

These guys just can't disappoint. No matter how hard you try, you will always find some sense of depth in virtually every single song this band has ever composed. Astonishing job! Can't wait to hear more!

I’ve probably listened to the live version 100 times. So glad for this song to finally be recorded for everyone to hear.

The Smile's 'Bending Hectic' can be interpreted as a reflection on the uncontrollable and unpredictable aspects of life, particularly as one faces personal challenges and uncertainties. The song's lyrics depict scenes of driving through precarious situations, such as swerving around hairpin bends on steep mountain roads, which serves as a metaphor for navigating the complexities in life. The recurrent theme of 'letting go of the wheel' suggests surrendering to circumstances beyond one's control, and the mention of 'slings and arrows' points to the adversities faced along the way. Song Meaning The emotional journey of 'Bending Hectic' appears to begin with a feeling of tension and apprehension, much like the nerves one might experience when driving down 'the gears' on 'a vintage soft top from the sixties.' Imagery of 'skidding 'round the hairpin' introduces a sense of danger and the rush of confronting life’s steep challenges. Lyrics like 'A sheer drop down / The Italian mountainside' and 'time is kind of frozen' evoke a moment stretched thin with intensity, reflective of those instances when life feels both precious and perilous. As the song progresses, there's a transition into a state of resolve and acceptance with the lines, 'I'm letting go of the wheel.' This illustrates a critical juncture where resolve morphs into resignation, embodying that pivotal moment of releasing control and accepting that some things are beyond one's influence. This sentiment is further emphasized in the chorus through the repetition of 'I've got these slings / I've got these arrows / I'll force myself to turn, turn.' The repetition of 'turn' might symbolize the effort required to change direction or mindset amidst adversity. In the climactic verse, the lyrics 'The ground is coming for me now / We've gone over the edge / If you've got something to say / Say it now' convey a sense of urgency and finality. Here, the emotional journey reaches its peak as the song embodies the moment of confrontation with whatever fate lies ahead, emphasizing the value of the present and the need to speak one's truth before it's too late. The outro is a reinforcing swirl of the word 'Turn,' which in its persistent repetition, resonates as a mantra for change and adaptation. It's as if The Smile is using this conclusion to underscore the song's central message about enduring through hardship and the necessity of evolving through life's tumultuous bends. Quotes "A vintage soft top from the sixties" This lyric references a type of convertible car popular in the 1960s, likely symbolizing a journey in something classic and perhaps nostalgic, suggesting a connection between the past and how it influences the current emotional state or situation.

His voice is so unique in this song. Just wow.

Simply put, it just makes me so happy to be here for new music from these guys. Can't thank you all enough, the band and other listeners Smile on

Stratospheric stuff only these guys can deliver

If they keep releasing songs like this, they might become my form of religion.

This song came to me at the perfect time. I had a major setback during a surgery and found out I have a crohn’s. I choose to turn. Ty for this beautiful song uplifting me during this difficult time

Fun fact: this is now the longest song Thom Yorke has ever written (excluding an instrumental track off Suspira). It’s a whole minute longer than the longest Radiohead song (Supercollider) Edit: completely forgot about the masterpiece that is Creep Very 2021 Rmx

This is definitely the best track on Wall of Eyes. It's nice and even sounds like Radiohead-esque

Thom and Jonny's melodies brought me to tears. They never cease to create magic. Thom Yorke is one of the most important people I've ever experienced.

This song has legit saved my life. Thank you guys for the beautiful music. It's a reason to wake up in the morning.

Alright, now I'm courious to listen to Teleharmonic Phaser's studio version. This one was just astonishing. These guys are keeping me excited.

This is the song that plays when each of us are being born. What a beautiful masterpiece that swells and grows and delivers in everyway. A metaphor of the beauty, hardship and ultimately the triumph that is life. So much emotion, so much power, so much beauty. Perfection

I've been off work for 6 months with a shattered shoulder and I decided to chill and heal listening to Thom's voice song by song from the beginning. If and when the nks start to fly, Radiohead songs are all I will be listening to. If I had a bunker, they would be my bunker music choice! Best live band, best vocals, best in studio. So many people agree that Thom's voice is the very best that's ever been and I absolutely agree. Thanks for keeping it honest 💯👍😎🤗🙏

The definition of eargasm So beautiful

This is insanely good. I am so excited to hear how they arrange the rest of their unreleased songs for the album. And holy fuck, Stanley outdid himself on the artwork. Can’t wait to see them again live in July!

When I first discovered this band, I never thought it would reach these kind of heights. Fantastic job

im so happy this song was created.

I'm gonna hear this song tonight. I'm sure. MEXICO CITY IS BLESSED WITH THEIR MUSIC!!!

Goosebumps on the first listen is always a sign something is good

I heard this for the first time today... I cried . Why does Thom have that ability to effect us so much with his music ❤

i m crying tears of joy. music.....

Theres been many songs by Thom Yorke/Radiohead that on my first couple of listens I don't really take to. Something quite awkward or unsettling about it that jars me and confuses the melody or overall composition. Enough to make me feel a bit weird and skip that track. But there's a hook in there that makes me listen more and more and after around 5 listens my brain unscrambles it, it all clicks and becomes crystal clear and I'm completely sold. It's a pretty unique trait that for me, makes Radiohead/Thom my favourite ever music entity. This is one of those ones tracks.

you can feel the acceptance in thoms gentle happy voice, its been a tough journey for him but now he has found a place of rest wheres hes still able to express, powerful stuff, love you guys.

Seeing them in Seattle last year and witnessing this song live was unreal and so captivating. I love the studio version but something about the live version that hits like a ton of bricks. Bring on the 2nd album boys.

Best song of the album !!!

It’s like they’ve transcended this realm and have gotten to a place of pure creative expression through music completely stripped of ego.

It took a few listens but now i cant get this out of my head

Bloody hell, do they deliver, time after time or what - this is everything I'd hoped for x10. God-like genius 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

words cannot describe this song... I feel like I'm near an amazing ocean then on the event horizon of a black hole in the space near to disappear.... genius of thom and jonny...

By far their best work yet

This tune is epic. Love the way it leads you into a false perspective then assaults your senses with outrageous amounts of chaos! More more more! i want more!!

this was incredible live. thom and jonny are unbelievably talented

i feel lucky that the first time i had heard this it was at the perfect time for me. i felt every moment, all sincerity for my own reflection and resonance. some of the toughest moments of my life have all come to crumble onto me. i was in the kitchen after finding out i could move from the terrible home i was living in and into a safer one, after years. i stood in the kitchen with my cigarette, staring into the garden with radio 6 playing, and this song started the MOMENT i lit my cig and it was as if nothing else existed in that moment but me and the music. i cant even tell you how insane it felt listening to the lyrics as they kept on going, how the melodies were drawing all of my body into roaring shudders and i just was staring into space, in disbelief of how perfectly fittiing and beautiful the song was for my moment in time. in my haze of emotions, when that second chorus hit, whew..

I’m glad you turned Tom. You continue to improve everyone’s lives with your and your fellow chum’s music. Don’t let go!

I really didn't expect to find a probable new all time brand new favorite song after turning 30. After all emotions fade over time. Yet here it is. Well done, geniuses.

This is a magnificent song, heard it live last year, this should have been on the album!

Thom and Jonny needed to start a new band to fuze AMSP with 90's Radiohead again, and I'm all here for it

Ive had their album on repeat, im so excited for this new song ❤

How can Thom and Jonny get any better!?!! But they do ....every song a masterpiece!!! Such food for the soul. Please keep writing and playing for the good of us mortal fans. We love you 💞

It’s a masterpiece and it moved me to tears. I don’t know how they do it but I get obsessed with their music - it’s incredible!

you guys run with the torch of creativity, lighting us all

Smile concert at alexandra palace was a life changing experience for the better ❤

That outro was very unexpected and epic 😎

In a music industry rife with mediocrity and shit, this, this right here, is a fucking masterpiece.

This sounds like it could have been part of Amnesiac. Love it.

if the next radiohead album sounds like this... i may rest in peace!

Once again my mind is blown. Every note from every instrument is absolute perfection.

From music lovers to music lovers. Invaluable. Thank you so much, The Smile! Please come back to Europe and play some shows!

Thom, Jonny and co. out there bending time, space and cars ❤

song of the year

Top shelf.