TV on the Radio – Dear Science

Dear Science – TV on the Radio

By Chris Peken

Some albums slip through the cracks of my desk. This one did, literally, but better late than never. Tunde Adebimpe has turned in the vocal performance of the year on this the fourth album from TV on the Radio, the album where they turn brilliant ideas and superb musicianship into the complete package, with brilliant songs and outstanding performance. Adebimpe steals the show, and given the calibre of the band that is no mean feat. His vocal and lyrical displays need to be heard to be believed, slipping and sliding between genres and instruments with ridiculous ease. What would appear try-hard for others sounds effortlessly natural to TV on the Radio. Take the creative vision of Radiohead, the funk of Prince and the pop nous of David Bowie and slam it down – hello Dear Science. Golden Age is the finest pop-funk since Purple Rain and I’m sure the Thin White Duke wishes he had written Red Dress. Simply a cracker of an album.

**** 1/2