Album: Earth

Overview
"Earth" is the debut solo album by English artist Ed O'Brien, released on 17th April 2020 under the name EOB. O'Brien is a multi-instrumentalist and a member of the globally acclaimed alternative rock band Radiohead. The album features a collection of 9 tunes that depict O'Brien's deep connection with nature and his journey of self-discovery. The album is a lovely mix of rock, electronica, and folk noises, featuring guest looks from various artists such as Laura Marling, Adrian Utley, and Colin Greenwood.

Inspiration
The genesis of this album began during Ed's stay with his family in the Brazilian countryside, where he was exceptionally inspired by the appeal of the natural world that surrounded him. This experience served as fuel for his songwriting, permitting him to create a body of work that shows his psychological connection to the earth and his vision of life. O'Brien has actually mentioned that the making of this album was a deeply individual process, through which he found a brand-new innovative voice. The release also came years after O'Brien expressed his objectives to make a solo album.

Furthermore, O'Brien drew inspiration from various other sources, including his love for Brazilian music, the disco period, and artists like Primal Scream, Neu!, and the Byrds. It had to do with taking dangers and starting a new adventure, and "Earth" is the culmination of those efforts.

Composing and Recording Process
O'Brien worked carefully with ethnomusicologist Ian Brennan and producer Flood to bring his vision to life. They started the recording procedure in Wales, where O'Brien was recuperating from a collapsed lung. In spite of being physically impacted, he was highly encouraged and started writing tunes alongside Flood. The recording process included improvisation and experimentation, with O'Brien getting out of his comfort zone to accept a more daring approach to music-making.

The album was primarily recorded at Assault & Battery Studios in London. While dealing with the record, O'Brien played the guitar, bass, keys, percussion, and supplied vocals. He was signed up with by a group of skilled musicians, consisting of drummer Omar Hakim and bassist Nathan East. Laura Marling provided backing vocals on the song "Cloak of the Night".

Reception
"Earth" received positive reviews from critics, who praised O'Brien's distinct creative voice and the general production of the album. Explained by some as "an unforeseen surprise", many listeners were captivated by its ethereal themes and rich soundscapes. The album's lead single, "Shangri-La", was particularly popular, with some critics comparing it to Radiohead's earlier catalog.

Regardless of the warm reception, "Earth" has likewise been criticized for doing not have a sense of coherence and often feeling disjointed. Nevertheless, these are small obstacles in an otherwise remarkable debut.

Impact
"Earth" is a testimony to Ed O'Brien's development as a solo artist and his ability to produce significant music beyond his work with Radiohead. The album showcases not only his technical ability as a multi-instrumentalist but also his psychological depth and his desire to communicate messages of unity, love, and connection. "Earth" makes sure to resonate with fans of alternative rock, electronica, and folk music, as it weaves through various sonic landscapes, offering a distinct journey for the listener.

In conclusion, Ed O'Brien's "Earth" is a compelling and ambitious debut, highlighting his varied impacts, fascinating songwriting, and strong connection to the natural world. Though it has some small defects, the album's themes of love, self-discovery, and unity shine through, supplying a rich soundscape to lose yourself in. Encouraging exploration and development, "Earth" advises us that there is constantly more to be discovered, both within ourselves and the world that surrounds us.