Rock / Art Rock
8/10
Art rock’s fanbase, rooted in New York City, is undeniably coffee-house indie types. That being said, TV on the Radio’s latest album, Dear Science, has a good chance of broadening art rock’s appeal. TVOTR’s fourth studio album is poppier, catchier, and cleaner than their previous efforts, and the abundant hooks and handclaps will immediately get the attention of the casual listener.
The album is a thematic whole, and each song asks the same question: “What am I doing here, and what’s going to happen to me when I die?” It’s not exactly ground-breaking, but the question becomes effectively profound amidst TVOTR’s lyrical poetry, clever wordplay, and lush musical environments. It’s especially effective in several songs which sound like children’s books, “Stork and Owl,” and “Family Tree.” The material feels a bit too heavy at times, but little touches keep it alive, like the closing track “Lover’s Day,” which celebrates existence for it’s visceral pleasures “I’m gonna take you / I’m gonna shake you / I’m gonna make you…” well, you get the picture. It’s not exactly subtle, but it’s effective, as Dear Science ends on the upbeat note that life is worth living if only for our pleasure, and that it’s important to revel in the physical while we can. The solid message, coupled with TVOTR’s innovative style makes Dear Science hard to dislike.
I can’t believe I wasn’t in your favorites!!!!