Fans of both The Smile and Smashing Pumpkins have noticed some striking similarities between the opening track of The Smile’s new album (a Radiohead side project featuring Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood) and the synth-heavy soundscapes of tracks from Atum, the latest release by The Smashing Pumpkins.

Particularly, Atum‘s title track and The Culling seem to share certain chord progressions and synth tones with The Smile’s latest work, making listeners do a double-take and wonder if the two albums are more interconnected than they appear.

Synth Similarities: The Smile and Atum

Both The Smile and Smashing Pumpkins have embraced a more synth-driven approach in recent works. Tracks from Atum—especially The Culling and the title track—make heavy use of layered synthesizers and atmospheric sounds. Fans have pointed out that The Smile, known for their minimalist yet immersive sound, also leans into this synth-heavy territory on their recent album.

The similarities are apparent enough that some listeners, while tuning into The Smile, expected Jimmy Chamberlain’s signature dramatic snare strikes to drop in at any moment, given the similarities in tension and structure.

The eerie, spacious feel of the synths used by both bands creates a haunting ambiance, making it easy to confuse the two. However, where Atum uses these elements in a sprawling, sometimes overwhelming fashion, The Smile offers a more restrained and deliberate approach. This contrast in execution has been a major point of discussion among fans.

The Smile vs. Atum

One of the more critical differences, however, lies in their length and consistency. Atum, which spans 33 tracks, has faced criticism for being overly long, making it difficult for listeners to digest in one sitting.

While fans appreciate standout tracks like Space Age, To the Grays, and The Culling, they feel the album suffers from a lack of focus and “quality control.” In contrast, The Smile, much like Radiohead, is known for their selective and highly curated tracklist, with each song crafted to fit the album’s overall narrative and aesthetic.

The Smile has intentionally placed less commercially accessible songs as the opening tracks of their albums, diverging from Radiohead’s reputation for starting their records with strong, attention-grabbing songs. This deliberate approach highlights the contrast between The Smile’s thoughtfulness and Atum‘s overwhelming length, leading some fans to comment that they wish Billy Corgan would embrace similar restraint.

Both Bands’ Unique Strengths

That said, both The Smile and Smashing Pumpkins offer unique and compelling sounds within the realm of alternative rock. Atum is a sprawling journey that seeks to merge rock, synth, and narrative on an epic scale. The Smile, on the other hand, focuses on creating deep emotional soundscapes with minimalistic flair, making each note and synth sound count.

While both bands share synth tones and chord progressions, they differ in the execution and overall impact. Fans of both The Smile and Atum may find enjoyment in comparing the two, especially when looking for shared influences and sounds that cross the boundaries between these two monumental bands.