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TV On The Radio, Dear Science

Written on November 17, 2008

TVOTR Dear Sciencestars-5
I wanted to wait until after the election to see if the outcome of November 4th would negatively affect my adoration for the latest experiment by TV On The Radio. I can dutifully report that America’s recent Hope Infusion does nothing to diminish the power and immediacy of the Brooklyn sound scientists’ newest jittery and tension-filled tracks. More than any other TVOTR album, Dear Science infuses hooks and melodies as an undercurrent below the usual tribal rhythms, bleating jazz sections, distorted guitars and overdriven vocals that made them the darlings of underground indie the last few years. Horns, handclaps, and “ba-da-ba-ba-ba” pop devices are littered throughout, floating just below the surface of the mix. They even take a moment to imagine a brighter direction lyrically on the showstopper track “Golden Age.” Of course, it’s safe to say TVOTR won’t be guest-hosting the series finale of “TRL,” as the hummable bits are still buried under a thick layer of churning noise. But that extra wrinkle of accessibility renders Dear Science the most listenable album the band has yet delivered, and once again, a strong contender for Album of the Year.

Filed in: Alternative, Music, Punk, Rock.

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