Brooklyn-based TV on the Radio was poised for success long before its members walked onto Granada Theater's stage Thursday night. The band, which last played Dallas in 2011, sold out two sequential nights at months in advance, and has widely been lauded as one of the most innovative bands currently producing music.
To say the indie rock six-piece lived up to the occasion would be an understatement. After beginning with ethereal throwback tune "Young Liars," TV on the Radio's nearly two-hour set burst with energy and enveloped eager fans in a wave musical bliss. The band promptly dove into its latest album, Seeds - the first released in bassist Gerard Smith's death nearly three years ago - eliciting sing-alongs to popular tunes "Happy Idiot" and "Seeds."
TV on the Radio appeased fans by shuffling singles from earlier albums into the mix, including 2008's "Golden Age" off Dear Science and "Wolf Like Me" from Return to Cookie Mountain (2006). A big plus was the trombone player, who added depth to some of the louder beats.
No matter where it dug in the archive, TV on the Radio held true to its uniqueness, giving an original spin to the pop, rock, R&B and punk genres.
That's not to say there weren't a few moments that seemed amiss. For one, opening band Nostalghia felt like an awkward fit with its oppressive prog-rock vibe and general monotony. There were glimpses of brilliance during the set, for example, when lead singer Ciscandra Nostalghia would inflect her voice similarly to Bjork. Or when the electric cello had a couple counts to shine. But overall, the band failed to excite.
Then there was the time TV on the Radio singer Tunde Adebimpe arbitrarily wished some couple - Matt and Stephanie, I believe - a happy Valentine's Day. Whether it was a genuine attempt or not, the comment sailed above everyone's heads. Later when the band returned to the stage for an encore (well deserved, according to the audience's persistence), Adebimpe also introduced a happy gentleman who got down on one knee and proposed to his lady. It was super cute, even if it felt rushed.
Based on the crowd's response, TV on the Radio appeared to have dragged its old school fans out to party - the band received the biggest roars during longtime favorites like "Dancing Choose" and "Staring at the Sun," which comprised the evening's encore.
Whether TV on the Radio is one of the most revolutionary acts on the touring circuit is for another discussion. But there's no debating it puts on one heck of a live show.
