Thom Yorke - Analyize

The Eraser: Gandalf held the malignant pasta at bay.

Thom Yorke's new solo album is pretty much what I expected -- a less dense reprise of Radiohead's Amnesiac.

Skittering electronic chirps and bleeps are pregnant with dry insect dread. It's bleak, windswept music that is quite beautiful for all its austerity. Computer music can sometimes feel distant and clinical but Yorke's voice adds an intensely human edge, and many of the tracks will suddenly burst into lush, organic synth orchestration midway through. Piano, the earthy tone of electric bass and some anxious, unsettling guitar lines add a touch of warmth to this otherwise very chilly album.

Thom Yorke has his fair share of critics, with many despising his seemingly endless depression. Yet there is no denying his ability to create at atmosphere with his distinctive voice. And sometimes, from a sudden register change, or a soaring double-tracked harmony, he can deliver a wallop of optimism and hope that will leave pins and needles all over your body.

The Eraser is not a great party album, and will more than likely have your guests weeping into their beers after track three. But played on a set of headphones, peering out the filthy window of a subway train at the streaked lights rushing past your window, it can give you a delicious sense of total isolation.

Sometimes it feels great to be down.

So far, I've listened to the record just a few times, but have come back to this track Analyize. What do you think?