It’s very likely that even if you haven’t heard the contents of Radiohead’s seventh album, you’ll be aware of its existence. Released as a digital download by the band themselves before a CD release was even considered, In Rainbows was lauded for innovation before a note of music was heard. Luckily, the music matches the hype—it takes the best part of Radiohead's previous works and advances the formula even further. While the opener "15 Step"—all skittering drum patterns and dub-style bass—may hark back to the electronica of Kid A, the sound soon gives way to a more guitar-based sound. Whilst not as musically heavy as previous albums, the tunes are far more focused and passionate—"Bodysnatchers" is based around a hypnotic, distorted bass riff, while the beautiful string-drenched "Nude" is a true Radiohead classic. Lyrically, like Thom Yorke’s solo album The Eraser, the lyrics are sketches of suburban paranoia, and the eerie sense of things not being quite right. This is especially true on the piano-based closer "Videotape", which poignantly details a man watching his life’s achievements in his final moments. In short, In Rainbows is another masterpiece from the Oxford quintet.

• Artist: Radiohead
• Format: Audio CD
• Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie & Alternative
• Label: XL Records

• Country: EU
• Audio: Stereo