Thom Yorke - Harrowdown Hill
[XL Recordings]

Radiohead were always at their best when experimenting with electronica in my eyes, so I'm quite relieved that Thom Yorke's first solo work follows in the same path as the quite brilliant Kid A and Amnesiac.

Harrowdown Hill is Yorke's well documented ode to the death of Dr David Kelly and it's cleary shown in the outspoken lyrics throughout, such as "Don't walk the plank like I did. You will be dispensed with, when you've become inconvenient" and "Did I fall or was I pushed?".

Lyrics aside, Harrowdown Hill starts with unfortunate slap bass but redeems itself with some tight drum sequencing and mantra-like vocals, although the beats appear flat and tame in comparison to other tracks on the album (Black Swan for example).

Why B-side Drunnk Machine was not included on The Eraser will always puzzle me. Here Thom conjures up an enjoyable Autechre soundalike of intoxicating programmed basslines, off-key synthesizers and the heavy, gun-shot beats the a-side so desperately lacks.

Even if you own the album, Drunnk Machine makes this purchase worthwhile and will always stand as one of Yorke's better tracks.