TV On The Radio
Young Liars (2003)

Review by: Dustin Pangonis
Date: 2/1/04

"They're like an indie techno band with barbershop quartet vocals," a friend told me.

That is (and excuse me for coming off like a dumb junior high student) the most retarded concept for a band I've ever heard. It's ridiculous. Yet I find myself holding this five song EP in higher standing than most full-lengths I heard this year. Some of the thickest, crunchiest synth tones I've heard create a dense layer of sound, and Tunde Adebimpe's vocals rise right to the top of the murk, doubled up and harmonizing with themselves more often than not.

It's impossible to chooose highlights on this disc: the epic "Blind" which slowly builds and build without ever coming to a head and exploding, the a cappella cover of the Pixies song "Mr. Grieves", the breathtaking "Staring At The Sun", all are worth of mention.

I'm an enthusiastic music fan, and have lots of favorites, but TV On The Radio sports the most original sound I heard last year, and at their best moments – they are stunning. And with a full-length album due out this year, I guarantee you'll be hearing me rave about them at least once more before you have to buy a new calendar.