TV on the Radio - Dear Science

[tommo]

The new TV on the Radio album is really solid. It's got kind of a lighter, looser feeling about it, and there's touches of humour and playfullness about the songs, something that hasn't been as apparent in previous works (a big exception being, of course, the big single "Wolf Like Me"). All the super-dense production, electronic effects and whatnot are still there just as on previous albums, but there's just something about it that's more ... comfortable.

I think the change of tone really suits them. The album sounds strikingly different to the murky, bluesy tones of Return to Cookie Mountain, but still retains the group's unique style - the gorgeous multi-vocal work in particular - that makes them so immediately identifiable.

I'm going to say this is the best thing they've done since the Young Liars EP. It's also one of the best albums I've heard from this year. Admittedly my intake of new releases this year has been lower than usual, but even if I'd heard more I'd expect this to be Top 20 material.

In terms of highlights, the chorus of opening track "Halfway Home" absolutely melts my spine, but most of all I'm utterly addicted to "Dancing Choose", which seems to be the group's bid for the decade's trademark "urgent, super-fast-verses song, where people try to one-up one another by remembering all the words (yes, I'm not-so-subtly referencing Billy Joel and REM).

It's tempting to say something like "believe the hype" at this point. The thing is, over the years the hype regarding TV on the Radio has elevated to a truly ridiculous level. They're not the defining band of the new millennium. This isn't the best album of the year. But it's good. Really good, even. Check it out and see what you think.

Comments

[penchaft.livejournal.com]

I really like reading your reviews, even if I've never heard of the band. =D

Have you heard Okkervil River's new one?

[tommmo.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy them :)

I bought the new Okkervil River album at the RTR library cleanout, but I've only listened to it once so far. I definitely like it - not quite as good as The Stage Names, but very solid. I might do up a review of that one once I've had a couple more listens.

[melberon.livejournal.com]

Dear Science took quite a few listens to grow on me. I'm not convinced it's better than Return To Cookie Mountain, but it is a very good album and and certainly not just "more of the same". Shame that it looks like they'll only be touring Australia as part of Big Day Out (ew).