OK Computer ou l’émergence d’un rock syncrétique chez Radiohead

Abstract

At their very start, Radiohead have drawn inspiration from two supposedly antagonistic genres that were in-vogue in the early 1990s: grunge and Britpop. But with OK Computer , their influences became more complex and kaleidoscopic, with references not only to various musical genres, but also to literature, cinema, advertising or humanities. This produced a syncretic piece of work that blurred spacio-temporal landmarks, explored new influences outside the Anglophone pop rock scene, assimilated past musical references to deliver a pessimistic view of the present and an alarming anticipation of the future, while creating a truly original identity for the band.

Keywords

• Britpop
• influence
• rock
• grunge
• syncretism