Bending Hectic

"Bending Hectic" is a song by the English rock band the Smile, from their second studio album, Wall of Eyes (2024). It was released on 20 June 2023, one day before the Smile began the second leg of their debut North American tour.

History
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, with lyrics describing 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, with many calling for its release. Stereogum described it as an "epic that starts out soft and quiet and builds into a splendorous stomping beast" and called it among "the best and most ambitious" of the new songs the Smile played on their 2022 tour. American Songwriter said it would "chill the hearts and minds of fans listening, given its musical nuance and tonal nostalgia".

Personnel
The Smile
 * Thom Yorke – vocals, bass
 * Jonny Greenwood – guitar, orchestration
 * Tom Skinner – drums

Production


 * Sam Petts-Davies

Additional musicians


 * London Contemporary Orchestra