Few bands can inspire and innovate as TV on the Radio do. Nine Types of Light continues a progression of unrelenting experimentation within areas of soul, rock, electronic and beyond. It’s another sonic adventure. Yet, unlike their past releases much of this album has somewhat of a romantic vibe to it. Moments like “Keep Your Heart” and the album’s first single “Will Do” are love songs with a lean more on their soul sensibilities and grooves that never derail. And while some are labeling Nine Types of Light TV on the Radio’s softer side, don’t be fooled. A song like “No Future Shock” is an ultramodern dance anthem that rides a wave of urgency fueled with a frantic horn section.

Nine Types of Light does little to define this band - other than the fact that they’re indefinable. What it does prove is that this band’s has yet to find their limits in terms of artistic vision and capability. And when we wonder in general about the outlook of music, it may be best just to put our ears to whatever TV on the Radio is working on. Case in point - Nine Types of Light

Buy Nine Types of Light, XPN's Featured Album of the Week from Amazon.com. Your purchase that starts here, benefits WXPN.