TV On The Radio

Seeds (Harvest)

Seeds stands mainly as a work of catharsis, a genuine labor of love for bassist/keyboardist Gerard Smith, who died of lung cancer at age 36. More complex are the simmers and rages, the highs and lows of release, letting go of a comrade and bandmate. In normal TV on the Radio fashion, the Brooklynites’ fifth LP blends as a clash of elements. Leading with a standout, “Quartz,” the track features layers of spiritual near chants and vocalist Tunde Adebimpe’s wails. One of the best songs TV has put on wax, sonically and lyrically, the stuttering and infectious “Happy Idiot,” suggests a numbing of feelings: “I’m gonna bang my head to the wall ’til I feel like nothing at all.” Even then, Seeds is awash in gratitude, love, and devotion to a dear friend. (Wed., 12:30am, Stubb’s)

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This article appears in March 20 • 2015.

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Kahron Spearman is a journalist and writer with bylines including The Austin Chronicle, Austin Monthly, Consequence of Sound, Texas Highways, and the London-based journal The Break-Down. He currently serves as Senior Editor at Atmosphere TV.