Back in May, Radiohead bandmates Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood joined forces with Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner to unveil a brand-new project the trio had recently formed; The Smile. Since then, the group have performed as one of the secret slots during Glastonbury Festival’s Live at Worthy Farm’ back in May, they also streamed a practice session live on Instagram a few weeks ago. Today, footage was released of a performance Yorke did at London’s Royal Albert Hall at an event called Letters Live. See below a new solo acoustic rendition of The Smile’s “Free in The Knowledge”.

Aside from these 3 moments, we don’t actually know much about the project, when it’s due, or if any of this music will even feature on an album. We heard rumblings in September that all the music had been recorded, but as Greenwood explained to NME, “We’re thinking of how much to include, whether it’s really finished or if there are a few guitars that need fixing. I’d hope it’ll come out soon, but I’m the wrong person to ask.”. So, who knows?

On the topic of unknown details, when posed with the question of touring with the Smile, Greenwood stated (in true ambiguous fashion), “No idea. It’s undiscussed and undecided. But it feels like we now have to start engaging with the outside world, having worked on this stuff alone. That’s the test, when people finally hear it. I’m looking forward to that, as what the outside world makes of you is more than half the reason for doing it.” Adding, “I’ve never understood the idea of music for its own sake. I remember bands I like who brought out albums I thought were disappointing. The fear of that is a big one. I’ve not met anyone who claims they don’t think about that stuff.”. That sounds like a positive to me.

Until any more information is released the next best thing for anyone with a hankering for some new Greenwood music need look no further than the new Kid A Mnesia box set released back in November. Or even his work on the soundtrack for “Spencer”, a biopic focussing on Princess Diana during the end of her relationship with Prince Charles.

For something artsier, check out the “KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION” on PS5, PC, or Mac. See details below.

The KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION is open…entry is free: https://t.co/sMZGAZX2Jl – PS5, PC & Mac pic.twitter.com/5rWJL6437N

— Radiohead (@radiohead) November 18, 2021