TV On The Radio 'Seeds' - Album Review

Following the impressive one-two of 2006’s Return To Cookie Mountain and 2008’s Dear Science, New York art-rock outfit TV On The Radio seemed poised to attain Radiohead-like levels of hugeness. Instead, the band fell into something of a holding pattern. This lack of forward momentum was particularly noticeable on the commercial front, with 2011’s Nine Types Of Light reaching the exact same middling positions on the UK, Australian and US charts as its predecessor.
Like that album, Seeds is another fine record from Dave Sitek’s outfit, but the overall sense is once again that they have failed to realise their considerable potential. A wizard at the production desk, Sitek is one of the few groove technicians who can rival his friend Trent Reznor when it comes to sonic experimentation, and Seeds is another masterclass in brilliantly constructed soundscapes.
Whether it’s the uplifting synths of ‘Quartz’, the dark industrial rhythms of ‘Careful You’ or the Neu!-like motorik surge of ‘Could You’, this is an album that positively brims with creative flair. Nearly all of the songs possess a positive outlook as well, with singer Tunde Adebimpe belting out the refrain “Everything’s gonna be okay” on ‘Trouble’, and the group achieving an almost U2-style anthemic feel on ‘Ride’. Apparently not a tribute to the reunited shoegaze outfit, the latter track sees Adebimpe passionately cry, “Every friend and lover/ Now is the time to get on the ride.”
And yet, for all of Seeds’ technical innovation and heartfelt lyricism, much like Nine Types Of Light, it’s lacking a standout track or two that would elevate it to truly special status. Unfortunately, then, TVOTR remain in danger of following the career arc that befalls many a young footballer – failing to transform youthful potential into all-conquering brilliance.
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