The Smile share two new songs ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ and ‘The Slip’
After the release of their second album, Wall of Eyes, in January, The Smile have released some surprise new music. The announcement of a 12” vinyl, which features two previously unheard new tracks title ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ and ‘The Slip’, has sent fans clambering to get their hands on a copy.
The Smile launched in 2021 but has quickly become a cultish act thanks to its members’ high status. Featuring Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, they’re joined by the Sons Of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner for a powerful trio.
Their debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention, was released in 2022, establishing them as something greater than the sum of their parts with their unique approach to art rock with a post-punk edge. On their most recent release, that was levelled up to new heights as Wall Of Eyes received major critical acclaim.
But, as would be expected of a band featuring Yorke especially, The Smile has always been cryptic. They’ve always stayed one step ahead of their fans and shook off expectations to instead wander down their own path. So, as new music lands with no warning or buildup, the release of a surprise new vinyl is exactly the kind of unpredictable behaviour fans of the group have come to love.
The two tracks cannot be found on any streaming services. Instead, ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ and ‘The Slip’ only exist in physical format on the new vinyl release. From clips posted online, both tracks are expansive and adventurous musical odysseys, stretching to the five-minute mark as the band builds atmospheric soundscapes.
However, the full tracks are vinyl exclusives and are currently only available to shop in-store, bringing hoards of music fans out to their local record shop. The record is an extremely limited run and is made as a bespoke XL Recordings housebag. Online ordering IS reported to be available starting on August 8th, but for now, the only way to get your hands on the new tracks is to join the queues outside stores as people scramble for a copy.
The release comes a month after the band cancelled all their remaining European tour dates for the summer. “A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill from an infection that needed emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care. Mercifully, he is now out of danger and will soon return home,” the band wrote.
“We have been instructed by the medical team in charge of Jonny’s care to cancel all engagements until he has had time to make a full recovery,” they continued, so for disappointed fans, these two new tracks will no doubt ease some of the upset.
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