TV on the Radio: Dear Science

Label: Interscope

TV on the Radio continue to top themselves, and they manage to do it by breaking ground every time. After the gritty, distorted, fuzzy sounds of Return to Cookie Mountain, the band defies expectations with a stripped-down, electro’d-up album. That’s not to say they’ve gotten slick; there’s still plenty of grit, but it’s buzzing, throbbing, funky grit this time out. Yes, funky – check out “Crying” and especially “Golden Age.” Other highlights include the pretty, keyboard-hooked haunters “Family Tree” and “Love Dog,” the Afro-pop-tinged “Red Dress,” and the propulsive “Dancing Choose.” The band retains its love of off-kilter hooks and knack for anthemic songs that avoid any sense of self-indulgence, if anything honed even more sharply. Scene-spotters will note guest appearances by Antibalas and Katrina Ford of Celebration. Also in a limited deluxe version with bonus tracks and remixes. (Steve)