'' The Bends '' has been described as an alternative rock , Britpop , indie rock and post-grunge album . According to the band , the album marked the start of a gradual turn in Yorke 's songwriting from personal angst to the more cryptic lyrics and social and global themes that would come to dominate their later work . Most of the album was seen to continue the lyrical concerns of '' Pablo Honey '' , although in more mature fashion . The songs " My Iron Lung " and " Bullet Proof . . I Wish I Was " have been compared to the band 's later work , namely " Paranoid Android " and " Subterranean Homesick Alien " , respectively . " Fake Plastic Trees " was partly inspired by the commercial development of Canary Wharf , while " Sulk " was written as a response to the Hungerford massacre . According to Yorke , " Street Spirit ( Fade Out ) " was inspired by the book '' The Famished Road '' by Ben Okri as well as the music of R.E.M . The lyrics to the songs on '' The Bends '' , particularly those of " My Iron Lung " , were cited in the British music press as an example of Yorke 's alleged depression . '' Melody Maker '' ran an article around the time of the album 's release which suggested Yorke would be the next " rock 'n roll martyr " or suicide
Hungerford massacre
Hungerford massacre
The Bends