The Smile’s “Bending Hectic” is packed tight with orchestral noise

Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinner return with new music.

June 20, 2023
The Smile’s “Bending Hectic” is packed tight with orchestral noise Sam Petts-Davies

The Smile have shared a new song titled "Bending Hectic." The song was debuted by the band, made up of Radiohead members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood alongside Tom Skinner, at Montreux Jazz Festival last year. However, the track did not appear on the band's live album from that performance and has become a favorite among hardcore fans. A studio version was recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios with producer Sam Petts-Davies and the London Contemporary Orchestra on strings. Scroll down to listen to the song now.

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A Light For Attracting Attention, The Smile's debut album, was released in 2022. The band begins a North American tour this week, starting a run of shows with a headline appearance in Mexico City. The 16-date tour runs until July 21 when they will play at Pitchfork Festival in Chicago.

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The Smile tour dates

June 21 - Mexico City, Mexico - National Auditorium
June 22 - Mexico City, Mexico - National Auditorium
June 23 - Austin, TX - ACL Live at The Moody Theater
June 26 - Austin, TX - ACL Live at The Moody Theater
June 29 - Miami, FL - James L. Knight Center
June 30 - St Augustine, FL - The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre

July 2 - North Charleston, SC - North Charleston Performing Arts Center
July 3 - Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
July 5 - Richmond, VA - The National
July 7 - Forest Hills, NY - Forest Hills Stadium
July 8 - Philadelphia, PA - Franklin Music Hall
July 10 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
July 11 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom
July 14 - Quebec City - Festival d'été de Québec
July 15 - Laval, QC - Place Bell
July 16 - Ottawa, ONT - Bluesfest Festival
July 19 - Kansas City, MO - Midland Theatre
July 20 - Chesterfield, MO - The Factory
July 21 - Chicago, IL - Pitchfork Music Festival

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The Smile’s “Bending Hectic” is packed tight with orchestral noise