Grade: 90/100
There are few bands today that have been able to confidently establish themselves as truly
original artists. In an industry flooded with talent both popular and underground, a small collective
exists that still comes off sounding like nothing else.
TV on the Radio is one of those bands. The Brooklyn group has been in action since 2001,
releasing album after album of barrier-breaking music. Now, with its sixth album, “Seeds,” TV on
the Radio has returned with a sound that would even elude past incarnations of the band.
Essentially, “Seeds” comes in two parts: funk and pop. The first begins with opening track
“Quartz,” which prominently features the looping expertise of David Sitek and Kyp Malone. A
repetitive vocal bass line underlines the song’s strong groove, which is reminiscent of “The Lion
Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens.
The funk continues with the first single, titled “Happy Idiot.” This song is the first real opportunity
for singer Tunde Adebimpe to show off his pipes. A chorus consisting of descending notes
works in a manner that’s almost onomatopoeic in nature. Tie that feature in with the phrase “long
way down” and you have some of the band’s most self-realized songwriting.
The album’s tone turns on nearly on a dime with the song “Ride.” A somber piano riff acts as a
backbone. As synths, chimes and a vibraphone slowly build to a crescendo, Adebimpe’s singing
shakes into existence before being swallowed up by the rest of the band’s cacophony.
Wrapping up the album is the title track, “Seeds,” which helps to tie together TV on the Radio’s
sound of creeping towards a conclusion. As is common with most of the band’s music, “Seeds”
takes a page from African music and its use of multi-rhythms. After reaching a crest with
Adebimpe crooning over static, the band’s instruments flowing into feedback. From there, TV on
the Radio effectively cuts out, like a snowy television set being tuned out and unplugged from a
wall.
 “Seeds” plays well into the band’s already impressive catalog. It comes off as a more
experimental album, less about songwriting and more about the sound that the band is able to
create. It’s a sonic testament to what TV on the Radio is capable of after 13 years together.