Premise: The Bends . The introspective grunge-influenced style of their debut album Pablo Honey ( 1993 ) evolved into more multi-layered rock with cryptic lyrics and larger ideas , as the band and its lead singer and songwriter Thom Yorke reacted against the rigours of their near-constant world tours . In the years since its release , the album has frequently appeared in listener polls and critics ' lists of the greatest albums of all time .
Hypothesis: The Bends is a fire hydrant.
Label: CONTRADICTION