TV on the Radio: Nine Types of Light

By Michael Lopez Tue., Apr. 12 2011 at 8:04 AM

Categories: Review Roundup

TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light

Well, we're smack dab in the crux of April's wheelhouse -- today is an overwhelming solid day with tons of new releases, this Saturday is Record Store Day and next Tuesday sees more quality releases. If April is to be considered the best month for new music in 2011, then these eight or so days are where April really shines.

Leading the way, then, for today's new releases is Nine Types of Light, the fourth album from Brooklyn indie rockers TV on the Radio. The band has been cursed with the Midas Touch since their debut album as seemingly everything they produce instantly turns to gold. 2006's Return To Cookie Mountain was what I believe to be one of the finest albums of the past decade -- an album that felt like it crowning achievement for the band. Yet here we have Nine Types of Light, another effortlessly impressive album from a band from whom we've come to expect nothing less.

What the critics are saying:

Ology: The indie/alternative album to beat in 2011--inventive, dynamic, and endlessly affecting. Nobody's making more exciting rock music than TV On The Radio.

Slant Magazine: Nine Types of Light may fall somewhat short in comparison with TV on the Radio's other albums, but it's a strong, smart effort from a band that continues to push resolutely forward.

Entertainment Weekly: Still, Light shines brightest when it mellows. On the soaring ''Keep Your Heart,'' as the band tastefully freaks behind him, Adebimpe serenades a hookup like a dirty Dr. Strangelove: When he finally learns to stop worrying, it's the bomb

Spin: [T]his album has a there-and-back quality, one they couldn't have pulled off five years ago. TV on the Radio have flashed unknowable cool, have been a troupe for our times, and have shaken their asses to kingdom come.

Nine Types of Light is out now via Interscope.