The task of judging any new Radiohead release is a complex affair. Some things are inherent: it won’t be for everyone and comparisons to their contemporaries will be slim, but all factors are exacerbated with the digital hype of In Rainbows.

By handling the album’s release themselves as a download, and in an unprecedented move also allowing the consumer to set the price, the album’s imminent unveiling has caused a stir within the industry; opening debate on topics such as the future of record labels and even the value of music itself.

Emerging from the media furore are ten songs, the majority of which will be familiar to fans, having floated around on various bootlegs for over a year. Indeed album highlight “Nude” dates back to 1998, but all previous formations were merely groundwork for the finished, very polished, product.

First track “15 Step” takes its time to hit its stride but once it does, it’s as exciting an opener as “Airbag” or “2+2=5.” Second track “Bodysnatchers” keeps things rolling along with some crunchy guitar work and is one of the few rockers to be found here. It would seem all the glitch techno/electronic leanings have been expunged through Thom Yorke’s solo project of last year as things have softened in the world of Radiohead. Once again Nigel Godrich provides a rich veneer in his production work as the album’s tone is best described as lush, warm and spacious.

It’s fascinating to think the same group who produced such edgy, polarising work (insert Kid A cliché here) is capable of such calming arrangements such as those found here. “All I Need” is truly sumptuous, while “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” is as aquatic and dreamy sounding as its title would suggest. All the while, Thom Yorke’s crystalline falsetto providing cohesion.

Guitars are more prominent this time too, but usually of the jazzy/laidback variety in combination with piano, lilting harmonies and soaring strings. The rhythm section of Phil Selway and Colin Greenwood, thankfully keep things from getting too airy. Every cut builds in layers that blossom and reward with repeated listens and while its still a stretch to label it ‘radio-friendly,’ the band have truly reigned in any indulgence, keeping most tracks to a lean running time with the whole album only just nudging past 40 minutes.

On its own merits, without the artwork or even a planned second disc, In Rainbows could be simply part of a bigger picture. Is this one half of a double album missing its twin? Or perhaps the second CD will be merely B sides. It’s hard to tell, but what is here is another creatively compelling and strikingly beautiful work from a band who always redefines what a classic album is and should be.

Rating: 5/5

Available via www.inrainbows.com