Young Liars

In 2001, OK Calculator, the debut release from New York's TV on the Radio, was passed around in coffee houses and clubs by it's creators, Tunde Adebimpe and David Sitek (with help from Sitek's brother). Rough sounding and difficult to pidgeonhole its' sound, the record was as unusual as it was intriguing.

By 2003, the band had enrolled Kyp Malone to TV on the Radio and had made the Young Liars EP. Critically acclaimed, and with several tracks still making regular appearances in live performances, Young Liars exhibited the band's talent for creating distinctive, experimental and unique music. 'Staring at the Sun' (oft cited "the song that got me into them" by fans) especially cements their talents; a pulsating addictive track with layered falsetto vocals that beg to be sung along to.

A version of this track appears on TV on the Radio's 2004 debut album, "Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes". Musically far bigger than "Young Liars", it expanded on the dark undertones of it's predecessor, providing amazing tracks such as 'Dreams', 'Wear You Out' and 'King Eternal' (especially good is doo-wop love song Ambulance).

Months later came another EP, "New Health Rock". With only one original track, some considered it a disappointment, but the title song is a refreshing, upbeat change to the generally slower songs found on Desperate Youth, and an indicator of the direction the band were taking. Also on New Health Rock was a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's 'Modern Romance', which tied industrial electronica with Adebimpe's melancholic vocal refrains.

Summer of 2006 saw TV on the Radio's second album come to light. "Return To Cookie Mountain" was a phenomenal success, and was lauded by critics, making several best of year lists. Opener 'I Was A Lover' is possibly their most difficult song to get into, but still excels, while fan favorite 'Wolf Like Me' is an explosive and droning example of their ability to make great music. 'A Method' holds onto TV on the Radio's doo-wop influences, while 'Province' is a dark ballad, whose vocals are a subtle combination of Adebimpe and guest David Bowie. On account of the popularity of "...Cookie Mountain", the band were also gifted some memorable TV appearances, including a fantastic (albeit trimmed down) rendition of 'Wolf Like Me' on Dave Letterman.

2008 brought a maturity in the band's music and third album "Dear Science,". Strings and pianos grace this album, exhibited in the brilliant 'Family Tree', while TV on the Radio's ability to create their idea of rock music remains. 'Halfway Home' builds up to a fantastic crescendo, all the while retaining a sense of lament in it's chorus. 'DLZ' is a dark, dramatic and epic highlight of the album, and lead single 'Golden Age' is a funky, celebratory track, in which Malone demonstrates his unique vocal style. Critical acclaim for this album is strong, and possibly their best release to date.