8/10
In 2011, TV On The Radio lost a founding member and bassist Gerard Smith to lung cancer. For the most part, they have been quiet since then but for these last few months, we have seen them return with some of their best material to date to release their latest album 'Seeds', the first since the tragedy. While you might be expecting a more solemn and downbeat release from this now quartet, they have managed to let enough time pass so this new full-length not only brings back that instantly identifiable sound, but doesn't let the demise of their fallen brother impact too heavily on the album's overall sound.
While it still at times makes subtle references to it, the record's intentions seem like business as usual as they work their way through this new record with comfortable ease. One of the great things about TV On The Radio is the effortless finesse they bring to each track, and the story is no different of this new material. Intelligent and though-provoking at times, 'Seeds' seems to have all the hallmarks of a band with a solid direction and sound that isn't going to be slowed down by anything.
It's a refreshing relief to hear that they have managed to overcome so much and still produce the same quality of music that they always have. It is a brilliant and cohesive body of work that shows exactly the level of determination and talent this band have.