Bending Hectic

In 2022, during their first North American tour, the Smile debuted material written while travelling. They first performed "Bending Hectic" at Switzerland's Montreux Jazz Festival in 2022. The singer, Thom Yorke, said he had written the lyrics that day. A video of the full set, including "Bending Hectic", was released for 48 hours to promote the live album The Smile (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, July 2022). After completing the first leg of their first North American tour, the Smile began recording new material. "Bending Hectic" was recorded in Abbey Road Studios, with production by Sam Petts-Davies and strings by the London Contemporary Orchestra. == Composition ==

"Bending Hectic" begins with a detuned guitar and builds to a heavy crescendo. The lyrics describe a car crash, a familiar subject for Yorke. == Release ==

"Bending Hectic" was released on 20 June 2023, the day before the Smile resumed their North American tour. It was the first single from their second album, Wall of Eyes (2024). An animated video was directed by Sabrina Nichols, with art by Yorke and Stanley Donwood. == Reception ==

"Bending Hectic" received praise from critics and fans when the Smile first performed it. However, reflecting on Wall of Eyes after its release, DeVille wrote that he did not like the slow build, writing: "The payoff is tremendous, but the journey there becomes a slog." American Songwriter said it would "chill the hearts and minds of fans listening, given its musical nuance and tonal nostalgia". In September 2024, Pitchfork named "Bending Hectic" the 46th-best song of the decade so far. == Personnel ==

The Smile • Thom Yorke – vocals, bass • Jonny Greenwood – guitar, orchestration • Tom Skinner – drums Production • Sam Petts-Davies Additional musicians • London Contemporary Orchestra == References ==