When Thom Yorke wanted to play songs from his solo album The Eraser live, he recruited Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, uber producer Nigel Godrich, R.E.M. drummer Joey Waronker and Brazilian percussionist Mauro Refosco for a number of low-key gigs in Los Angeles. Taking their name from a President Eisenhower speech about nuclear weapons, original material started to emerge in 2010 and gradually the band's angular rhythms, haunting vocals and funky, Afro beat melodies grew into debut Amok (2013). Released through XL Recordings, Yorke said of the album's inspiration and relaxed creation "We were at Flea's house. We got wasted, played pool and listened to Fela Kuti all night." Led by singles Default and Judge, Jury And Executioner, it reached Number 2 in the US and was widely praised for its mix of mechanical beats, soulful, skanking grooves and restless, jagged soundscapes. It's the sound of a gang of hugely acclaimed musicians indulging and enjoying the boundless extent of each other's talents and ideas - just don't call them a supergroup.
