Atoms for Peace – "Ingenue"
"Ingenue" is a song by Atoms for Peace, the experimental rock and electronic supergroup featuring Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Nigel Godrich, Joey Waronker, and Mauro Refosco. The track is the third song on their only album, Amok, released in February 2013 by XL Recordings63.
Musical Style and Composition
"Ingenue" blends electronic textures with live instrumentation, a hallmark of the Amok album. The song is characterized by a hypnotic, looping synth riff, intricate percussion, and Yorke's ethereal vocals. The arrangement creates a mesmerizing, almost trance-like atmosphere that many listeners find deeply absorbing2. The use of synthesizers—possibly a Prophet, as noted by fans—adds to the song's alluring and immersive quality2.
Lyrics and Themes
Fans praise the lyrics for their enigmatic and emotional resonance, though the meaning remains open to interpretation. The word "ingenue" refers to an innocent or naive young woman, but in the context of the song, it seems to evoke vulnerability, transformation, and the complexities of relationships2.
Music Video
The music video for "Ingenue" was released on February 28, 2013. It was directed by Garth Jennings and choreographed by Wayne McGregor, who previously worked with Yorke on Radiohead's "Lotus Flower" video56. The video features Thom Yorke and dancer Fukiko Takase performing a synchronized, expressive dance in a minimalist setting, filmed at Laban Theatre in London. The choreography, noted for its fluid and idiosyncratic movements, visually mirrors the song's sense of vulnerability and transformation5. The video has been widely praised for its originality and emotional impact, with Yorke's performance becoming particularly iconic9.
Reception
"Ingenue" is often cited by fans as a standout track on Amok, with many highlighting its hypnotic qualities and emotional depth2. Critics generally received the album positively, noting its rich, layered sound and the seamless blend of human and electronic elements, though some felt it closely resembled Yorke's solo work6.
Personnel
- Thom Yorke – vocals, keyboards, programming, guitars
- Nigel Godrich – production, programming
- Flea – bass
- Joey Waronker – drums
- Mauro Refosco – percussion6
Notable Performances
Thom Yorke has performed "Ingenue" live, including a notable appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show in 20138.
Summary:
"Ingenue" showcases Atoms for Peace's experimental fusion of electronic and live music, with a memorable video and a sound that continues to resonate with fans and critics alike126.
