The likeable TV On The Radio frontman, visual artists and LA-based actor releases his first solo LP, an impressively punchy, tender, angry, sharp, intelligent fusion of synth-pop, postpunk and funk, working with multi-instrumentalist and co-producer Wilder Zoby – energised in sound, but tinged with thematic grief and loss. What colours the songs, as well as his distinct, strong, clear, versatile voice, are themes borne around the time of the pandemic, disorientation, but mostly the death of Adebimpe’s sister. The range of styles and impressive, powered by “the age of tenderness and rage” referenced by the pumping instant standout Magnetic, or the rising sense of unrest in songs such as Ate The Moon, the fuzz guitar and vigour of Pinstack (“I've been controversial, honey / I've been Christ on high / I've been a needle in a haystack/ I've suckеd teardrops from/ The Devil's еyeballs”) or Drop, which displays sharp beatboxing skills around a strong, wistful melody (“But will I feel it when I drop? / Restless hours, the ticking of a clock?”). ILY is a gentle, passionate, acoustic number with Zoby, The Most joins synth-pop with a reggae-ish rhythm, and Somebody New has the rousing chorus of a New Order number, before the electronica-led closer Streetlight Nuevo. With TV on the Radio’s last album Seeds, more than a decade ago in 2014, it’s wonderful to hear new material from the frontman of an excellent band retaining similar standards as a solo artist. Out on Sub Pop.
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