The Smile - A Light For Attracting Attention (2... May 2026

Critics describe the album as a "looser, wilder" version of Radiohead, defined by Skinner’s complex, polyrhythmic drumming which provides a more fluid foundation than traditional rock beats. THIS IS WHAT YOU GET - Press Release - Ashmolean Museum

The Smile's 2022 debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention , is widely considered the most successful Radiohead side project to date, blending experimental rock with jazz and post-punk influences. Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic by Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood along with jazz drummer Tom Skinner, the project allowed the duo to bypass the high-pressure expectations of their main band. Background and Formation The Smile - A Light For Attracting Attention (2...

The band's name is inspired by a poem by Ted Hughes and, according to Yorke, refers to "the guy who lies to you every day" rather than a cheerful expression. The project emerged from Greenwood's stockpile of guitar riffs written during lockdown and was produced by longtime Radiohead collaborator Nigel Godrich . The trio made their surprise debut during a 2021 Glastonbury livestream before releasing the full 13-track album in May 2022. Musical Style and Key Themes Critics describe the album as a "looser, wilder"