tv on the radio

Brooklyn-based TV on the Radio make their triumphant return with the colossal Dear Science, (yes, the comma is part of the title). This is an album you worship at loud volumes with the door open, so you and your hallmates can hear every hi-hat, every vocal melody, every horn riff that make up this beautiful mess of sound.

With cleaner guitars and steadier, funkier drums, Dear Science, is a step closer to a rockin' end-of-the-world party than 2006's beloved Return to Cookie Mountain. "Red Dress," taking a page from Fela Kuti's groovy musical feel and incendiary political consciousness, features a relentless rhythm complete with creative yet danceable percussion, radiant guitars and a wild horn section. The equally upbeat and gloriously orchestrated "Golden Age" shines with its infectious bassline and smile-inducing chorus.

"Shout Me Out," the most dynamic track of the album, builds from sweet vocal melodies to a frantic romp, kicked off with a challenge straight out of the Book of Job: "Lord if you've got lungs, come on shout me out!" Oh my Science!

Interspersed between these up-tempo hits are some beautiful ballads. "Stork And Owl" proceeds majestically with layers of strings and voices. Additionally, the gradual swelling of energy throughout the haunting "Family Tree" lulls the listener in to a past life.

Dear Science, is an innovative work of art that will be remembered as a milestone for modern rock music. Overlook this album and you'll miss one of the year's best. But whether or not you agree with its artistic brilliance, Science is also great dance music. Critical acclaim and indie lore aside, we can all agree with lead singer Tunde Adebimpe when he delivers the album's commandment: "just keep your dancing shoes off mine."