Myriad thoughts come to mind whenever Radiohead is mentioned. Mostly, I feel deep reverence for a band that wholeheartedly creates meaningful music. When I heard that Phil Selway, Radiohead's drummer, was releasing a solo album, I was intrigued as to what he would sing about and how he would portray himself as a singer-songwriter. Listening to his debut album, Familial, was a comforting experience. Listeners will instantly recognize that Selway has created an album of personal, slow-tempo songs.
Then again, it might be easy to pass off Familial as Selway's attempt to create solo work like that of Thom Yorke. However, Selway's voice and style are unmistakably different than his band mate's. The drummer can sing, and his voice is calming, whereas Yorke's tenor voice and vocal range are more distinctive.
Selway's percussion technique gave Radiohead its original style and classic rock vibe. His voice was also used periodically in live shows as backing vocals. Selway's quiet, hushed tone gives the album an extremely intimate feel.
This experience in backing vocals helps Selway's voice to be harmonious, even with the depressing tone of Familial. Although his words are blatantly solemn, the subtle instrumentation makes each track beautifully simple and well produced.
Familial can easily be compared to the folk music of Nick Drake, largely because of Selway's soft tones and low vocals.
""By Some Miracle,"" his first single, was released in early July, setting the tone for his solo work. It is an earnest track complemented by the poignant voice of Lisa Germano.
""A Simple Life,"" another one of his songs, is slightly creepy, but the percussion performed by Glenn Kotche of Wilco pulls the song together. Keeping in line with the album's theme of family values, ""A Simple Life"" reflects what Selway wants: ""We'll leave and disappear into the night / We'll turn out the lights / We just want a simple life.""
Selway continues with an almost resentful track, ""Broken Promises."" Initially it seems nostalgic, however it turns out to be Selway scolding his past. He sings, ""Make amends for all the broken promises / Dreams never fulfilled / Celebrate the lies that you made / Look on my face and you'll find / Peace for the very first time."" Despite the fact that Selway had disappointments in his past, he can find peace in the present with his own success.
At first, the track ""Don't Look Down"" has the same solemn tone as the other songs, however, a smidge of optimism is reflected in the lyrics. Selway croons, ""Don't look down it's fine / It's one of those days / Don't run and hide."" As a father of three children, it seems Selway is looking to give some parental advice. Selway is explaining that although responsibility increases and becomes more daunting, it is important to stay focused on what lies ahead.
The outcome of Phil Selway's solo debut is a style that has been done in the past, but done well, and thus is unlikely to bore any listener. Familial's beautiful tracks will provide listeners with a diversion from Radiohead's complex style. The simplicity of Selway's album is the perfect balance to his previous work, adding to his impressive talent. The track ""The Witching Hour"" perfectly summarizes the sentiment that Selway produces: ""Those I love / Will carry me home.""
