EOB – Earth
7/10
The Radiohead guitarist’s debut solo album may have come about almost by accident or with no real plan for him to do it, as he tells Long Live Vinyl in our interview this issue. Regardless, the result is a much more considered and fine-tuned affair than you may expect in such circumstances.
Merging minimal electronica, acoustic melancholy, ambient soundscapes and the odd foray into indie territory, O’Brien has made an honest and considered album that’s a reflection of his diverse tastes and where he believes we’re at as a planet. It’s the slightly livelier material that comes out best here, such as the pulsing Brasil and the almost camp synth pop of Olympik. O’Brien’s voice is also a pleasant surprise; free from his backing vocals role in Radiohead, he gives himself room to shine on an impressive first solo outing.