Thee Black Boltz＜Colored Vinyl＞

Though he only worked on a handful of musical projects after TV on the Radio went on hiatus in 2015, Tunde Adebimpe kept himself busy. His acting career took off in the late 2010s and early 2020s, with roles in high-profile television and film projects including Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Marriage Story, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Twisters. Those years in front of the camera gave him time to amass songs and ideas for an album of his own. On Thee Black Boltz, he distinguishes himself as a solo act while connecting to the broader strokes of his artistry. Echoes of TV on the Radios drama, eloquence, and ear-tickling sonics reverberate in songs as diverse as "Magnetic," an electrifying funk-rocker in the vein of Dear Sciences "Dancing Choose," and "Blue," a taut dystopian reckoning that borrows some of his bands ambition and urgent moods. However, Adebimpe gives Thee Black Boltz a lean, crisp sound thats notably different from TV on the Radio and lets him explore any genre that tickles his fancy. Perhaps it shouldnt be a surprise that an artist who juggles acting, directing, painting, drawing, and music can jump from style to style as effortlessly as he does here, but its still a thrill to hear him fuse prog, funk, and electronica on the cautionary tale "Ate the Moon," throw some down-home pedal steel on "God Knows" heartbroken alt-pop, or pay homage to New Order on "Somebody New"s shimmery synth pop. "Pinstack" is an even wilder ride, interpolating the vocal pop chestnut "Swinging on a Star" in its glammy stomp before channeling its existential dread into a cappella harmonies that evoke the cover of Pixies "Mr. Grieves" from TV on the Radios debut EP. Its only fitting that Adebimpes voice should be the focal point of Thee Black Boltz, and that applies to his songwriting as well. Though his viewpoint is much more personal than on his work with his band, the stakes feel just as high on "ILY," a moving tribute to his late sister (to whom he dedicated the album) that lets its simplicity speak for itself. Similarly, musings like the hypnotic "Drop" and searching, stargazing finale "Streetlight Nuevo" arguably shine even brighter in this setting than they would with his band. Given Adebimpes legacy with TV on the Radio and his lengthy break from music, expectations for his debut album were high, but Thee Black Boltz passionate, imaginative songs more than meet them. As he sings, "revolution sound/its coming soon." ~ Heather Phares

TV・オン・ザ・レディオのヴォーカリストによる初のソロ作。バンドで鳴らす音と同じような攻撃的なポスト・パンクを奏でつつ、シンセやサウンド・エフェクトを多用した、ポップと混沌の狭間を行くような世界観が非常に新鮮。一方でメロウな曲ではメロディーの良さと、ソロ作ならではの感情的な歌い方が堪能でき、改めて彼の才能の豊かさに驚かされる。
bounce (C)赤瀧洋二