Friday 10/11/06 TV On The Radio @ KOKO, London

This is one of those shows that sells out way before the actual date and when you get to the venue it’s rammed even though there has not been much marketing hype. This kind of show indicates that a band has built up a true following via word of mouth, offering well crafted songs and interesting personalities. What is it about TV On The Radio then? For a start, they are from the trend setting New York music scene, which automatically scores them 10 ‘cool’ points. David Bowie likes them, hence his contribution to ‘Province’ on latest album ‘Return to Cookie Mountain’, that adds more to their score. Then there is there is singer Tunde Adebimpe’s NY film school education and that fact he rates noise rockers Lightning Bolt.

When TV arrive onstage, the first and only shock of the night is apparent, Tunde has now become a slap head and lost his follicular tendril that espoused his musical energy and creativity. However it becomes clear they weren’t important when his endless dancing and soulful voice take over the venue, entrancing the audience. Alongside him is guitarist/vocalist Kyp Malone proves that backing vocals can be truly complimentary and enhancing. Then there are keyboards, bass, drums and extra guitars with optional wind chimes that give TV their atmospheric wall of sound. However, there are no onstage film projections, which given the background of the singer seems a missed opportunity. Tonight, most of the songs are from their latest album and it takes a while for this Camden audience to warm up.

When they play ‘A Method’ there are some audio hitches that would throw a nervous band, but the band are undeterred and prove their confidence and abilities even if the audience isn’t enthused at this point. In fact it isn’t until TV play ‘Wolf Like Me’ with vocal hook howling forever that a descent sized mosh pit forms and the band earn their right to be onstage. ‘I Was A Lover’ is next and this is a defining song for TV and it proves they have a strong soulful presence that is uniquely interwoven with trademark 4AD shoegazing guitars. “And now 35 minutes of the worst jokes you’ve ever heard” is Tunde’s opening jest for this quirky encore. With second guitarist/keyboardist David Andrew Sitek and drummer Jaleel Bunton swapping round for one song, support band White Circle Crime Club stage invading with percussion instruments for another, boredom is not an option. Then before the best but last song of the evening, Tunde thanks the audience for indulging them and launches into ‘Staring At The Sun’. The audience are placated. Fantastic.