TV On The Radio: Nine Types Of Light

TV On The Radio
Nine Types Of Light
Interscope Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: TV On The Radio once again prove they are a band that should always be heard!

Album Review:
TV On The Radio have consistently released mind bending records and although Nine Types Of Light feels familiar, it still has plenty of turns and twists that will keep your ears to the speaker. After taking a year off from the weary road, TV On The Radio went West to get some new perspective and rejuvenate, which I believe accounts for why Nine Types feels like the most laid back record the boys from Brooklyn have released to date. Its songs are not quite as manic or in your face but instead now have a much slower burning groove that still incorporates the bands knack for building walls of sound. This direction takes some adjustment on the first half of the record as "You" feels like a peaceful walk through the park and "Keep Your Heart" lets its intricate musical interplay steal the show. "No Future Shock" gets a little more of the funk you expect from TV On The Radio back but as soon as you slide into the second half of the the record Nine Types Of Light takes off starting with the horn filled "New Cannonball Blues", a feverish "Repetition" and a rambunctious "Caffeinated Consciousness". This weird balance actually works well for TV On The Radio, as they show some progression but still honor what they know best. Nine Types Of Light does not reach the pinnacle cohesiveness that Dear Science [2008] or Return To Cookie Mountain [2006] had nor does it sound as innovative but the record firmly highlights TV On The Radio's comfort level with their musical status and the ability to try new things, while never forgetting what got them here. This translates to a solid record that longtime followers should enjoy and leaves tons of room for new fans to get on board!

Key Tracks: "Will Do", "Repetition", "Caffeinated Consciousness"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Broken Bells
The Beta Band
Massive Attack

TV On The Radio: Dear Science [Fire Note Review 9/26/08]
TV On The Radio: Return To Cookie Mountain [Fire Note Review 7/12/06]

TV On The Radio Website
TV On The Radio MySpace
TV On The Radio Facebook
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony