Nine Types of Light

TV On The Radio's yearlong hiatus allowed its members to explore creative avenues. From Dave Sitek's synth-heavy Maximum Balloon to Kyp Malone's eclectic Rain Machine record to Tunde Adebimpe's first mainstream acting role (Rachel Getting Married), the band had a chance to recharge their batteries. Once reunited, they shook off the dust and recorded Nine Types of Light.

Adebimpe's soulful pleas on "Will Do" and crisp harmonizing with Malone on "Keep Your Heart" spill into refreshingly mature and honest love songs. The masterful falsetto-baritone interplay, a part of the TVOTR formula, is delicately stretched over "New Cannonball Blues" and blanketed by distorted bass and subtle funk riffs. The album, recorded in L.A., is a warm affair that strays from the dissonant, minor key components of TVOTR’s earlier material.

For as much of a triumph as the new album is, however, its beauty is flanked by last week’s tragic passing of bassist Gerard Smith. TVOTR canceled five dates on the itinerary, but with heavy hearts the show goes on and makes its way to 4th&B on May 2.

• Album: Nine Types of Light
• Artist: TV on the Radio
• Label: Interscope
• Songs: (1) Second Song (2) Keep Your Heart (3) You (4) No Future Shock (5) Killer Crane (6) Will Do (7) New Cannonball Blues (8) Repetition (9) Forgotten (10) Caffeinated Consciousness