Given the diversity of Radiohead’s output, I really didn’t know what to expect from the debut album by the group’s drummer, Phil Selway. What the rhythmatist has chosen to do is explore territory Radiohead have generally overlooked in their music (certainly on their more recent releases) – that is, hushed, atmospheric acoustica with echoes of Nick Drake and Bert Jansch.
Which might potentially sound dull, were it not for the fact that Mr Selway has rather a good knack for melodies (much better than most actual singer-songwriters, in fact). Accompanied by Lisa Germano and a collective of musicians from 7 World Collide (the Neil Finn side-project Selway plays in with ’Head guitarist Ed O’Brien), the erstwhile sticksman has crafted a beguiling suite of intimate, low-key tunes that slowly weave their magic.
His day-job may be behind the kit with one of the best bands in the world, but Mr Selway is a dab hand at this old songwriting lark. Would that more drummers’ solo efforts were as impressive.
Key track: ‘The Witching Hour’