This week, Thom Yorke premiered his latest project at the Philharmonie de Paris institution in Paris, France. The Radiohead frontman added classical music to his diverse repertoire with the performance of two well-received pieces, the 20-minute long classical composition “Don’t Fear The Light” and “Gawpers.”
Pitchfork labels Yorke’s “Don’t Fear The Light” a “Daring Triumph”, which is rightfully so after witnessing his Paris performance. He performed the composition alongside the Minimalist Dream House Band, which consists of “Bryce Dessner from the National, David Chalmin, and the pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque. Yorke then proceeded to debut the shorter, more song-like “Gawpers,” which featured his iconic haunting vocals being highlighted by the Labèque sisters’ dark and sinister piano playing.
Earlier this year, the openly political Englishman commented on the state of UK’s Brexit struggles, chastising Prime Minister Theresa May’s policies and decisions because of the stress and suffering it caused. He even went so far as to label them “action worthy of the early days of the third reich.” Yorke is set to begin his solo European tour this coming July.
Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat