Track Review: TV on the Radio – “Will Do”

[Interscope; 2011]

After the release of Dear Science back in 2008, it was something of a mystery whether or not TV on the Radio would ever record together again. After all, some of the key members seemed busy enough with various other projects. Tunde Adebimpe found his way onto albums such as Massive Attack’s Heligoland and Kyp Malone did some personal meditation under the Rain Machine moniker. David Sitek found himself producing with a variety of bands, including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on It’s Blitz!. There was almost the possibility that during this hiatus, we might have heard the last of TV on the Radio.

Well, thank the stars, because they’re back, and they sound as incredible as ever. “Will Do” is a beautifully solemn track, soulful in execution and as hauntingly beautiful as anything that the group have come out with before. Things begin with a delicate melody, before a deep electronic beat and thick bass line enter the mix; the latter of which carries the bulk of the song. Adebimpe sounds reinvigorated, shifting between vocal registers like an old pro. In a way, some of the feverish music of Science has worn off. “Will Do” sounds like it would have fit rather well with Return to Cookie Mountain or even the original Young Liars EP. The soulful and melancholy nature of “Will Do” seems reminiscent of TV’s earlier days, which is no bad thing.

It’s fantastic to see that TV on the Radio are recording together once again, and if “Will Do” is a good example of what’s to come on Nine Types of Light, we’re in for one hell of an album later in the year. Engaging, triumphant and glorious, “Will Do” is the sound of a naturally confident, talented band effortlessly continuing to make good, honest music. Based on this track, it seems that TV on the Radio can do no wrong.

TV On The Radio – “Will Do” by Interscope Records

8/10