TV on the Radio's latest album, Return To Cookie Mountain, is the kind of gem music fans wait all year for. Brilliantly blending avant-garde art rock, electronica and Beach Boys-inspired harmonies—all threaded together with Eno-esque atmospheric textures—the Brooklyn quintet have proven themselves to be on the cutting edge while sonically maturing from their astonishingly refreshing 2004 debut Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes.
TV on the Radio was conspired when roommates Tunde Adebimpe (vocals) and David Andrew Sitek (multi-instrumentalist) traded four track recordings of each other's music and decided to make an album out of their efforts. TVOTR then released Desperate Youth to a mass of critical success and became a favorite act to the likes of David Bowie and Trent Reznor.
TVOTR's genius also lies in their ability to appeal to a vast array of listeners. Hipsters will love them for their droning synths, indie roots and amazing pop hooks, fans of hip hop will appreciate the amazing production on the album and your parents will dig them because it will bring back nostalgic memories of sitting in front of the turntable, relaxing to Pet Sounds.
The album opens with the head-bobbing triplet utilizing ""I Was A Lover."" Waves of synth twist and turn around pounding bass, guitar reminiscent of ""Strawberry Fields Forever"" and a tastefully sampled orchestra.
The third track, ""Province,"" is a laid-back masterpiece with hauntingly dark lyrics. It features great reverbed guitar work by Sitek and the almighty David Bowie guests on backing vocals.
The first single off Cookie Mountain, ""Wolf Like Me,"" is an absolute beast of a first single. It features upbeat, post-punk influences and heavy, heart pounding synths.
The swing of ""A Method"" is a highlight on Cookie Mountain. It's practically guaranteed the melody of this track will get stuck in your head. With backing vocals reminiscent of an a cappella group singing doo-wop along with a bombastic percussive break and clever lyrics, ""A Method"" is a stand out on the disc.
""Tonight"" is one of the best songs the band has created. A slow masterpiece that creeps along, the song beautifully picks up numerous layers before fading out to what sounds like wind chimes sampled in reverse.
Return to Cookie Mountain is one of those albums that you will find yourself listening to over and over again. It is an amazing sophomore effort by TV on the Radio and one of the best releases of this year.
