Review
With "The Bends," Radiohead truly claimed their right to rock royalty, and let me tell you, it's a bombshell of a progression from their "Pablo Honey" days. Dropping in 1995, this album isn’t just a bunch of angst-ridden tracks slapped together; it's an artfully charged revolt against the one-hit-wonder trap, with the band hurling themselves into deeper, more experimental waters. Take the biting "My Iron Lung," which is basically a middle finger to their previous commercial hit "Creep." You can feel the sneer in the melody, distanced far from the naive echoes of their debut.
Tracks like "Fake Plastic Trees" and "High and Dry" unmask Radiohead’s softer, more contemplative side, serving as perfect foils to the fierce defiance of tunes like "My Iron Lung." Meanwhile, "The Bends" punches you with its Beatles-esque turmoil, sounding like a late '60s revolutionary chant got plugged into a '90s amp. This album doesn’t just play; it disrupts. Whether you're here for introspective meditations or a rugged, raw throwdown, "The Bends" refuses to be background noise and instead, commands your full, undivided attention, proving Radiohead was far more than a one-trick pony. Partially inspired by refined English indie and alternative flavors, this work cements them firmly in the lineup of the 90s music scene maestros. - Sydney
