Having a father who fronts one of the most critically acclaimed contemporary rock bands in Britain could make releasing your own music anxiety-inducing, to say the least. But Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke’s son Noah has released his first single under his own name, “Trying Too Hard (Lullaby)”, and it’s an impressive debut.
Oxford-based Noah has previously released music as Alec Owen, sharing full-length album L.E.T.H.A.L - Living Entities, last year.
The apple doesn’t seem to have fallen far from the tree, as there’s a strong Radiohead influence on the new track – with similar melody structures and a general haunting atmosphere akin to 1995’s The Bends, as well as In Rainbows–esque guitars.
Posting about the track’s reception on his Instagram, the 20-year-old thanked those who’d listened to it in the first couple of days and addressed the inevitable links to his father. “It’s now at 10,000 plays which is nuts to me,” he wrote. “I know the reasons for this aren’t always much to do with me, but it means the world to me that anyone gives a fuck or connects with it in any way. It’s scary to try and establish one’s identity and people caring about a song that is so important to me gives me a tiny bit of confidence that I’m not just an #offshoot.”
The track was praised by Noah’s godfather and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, who wrote: “Cor, what a glorious piece of music – today was the first time I heard it, and I’m so impressed. Nice work, Noah”. Hayley Williams of Paramore also expressed her approval: “This song is so good simply because it rules and you have a gift. Psyched for more”.
Listen to “Trying Too Hard (Lullaby)” below.
