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Those of you who have taken an interest in our band's representation in
the press will have noted copious comparisons with TV On The Radio. I
can't remember a single interview or album review that hasn't mentioned
those dudes. Initially this seemed to be motivated by an effort to
contextualize our music, to offer the prospective virgin listener a
frame of reference for our multi-dimensional music. All perfectly
understandable. Then journalists started to ask if the relentless
comparisons had started to grate yet. In his album review in The Wire,
David Stubbs was even bold enough to imply that it might just have
something to do with our multi-racial makeup. (Tactfully put, sir! I
was also amused by comparisons to Bloc Party. Perhaps unwisely, I am
tempted to challenge the wider public to find other bands with black
frontmen who reflect their love of rock music to associate us with...)
Anyway, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share my thoughts on the
matter. It seemed like an appropriate moment to do so as I'm sat in our
dressing room at the ABC Glasgow waiting for Doves to finish their
soundcheck and I've just bought Dear Science, TV On The Radio's current
release, from the local HMV.
Firstly it seems worth mentioning that I've never owned a TV On The
Radio record before now. Nor have I heard one in its entirety. At best,
I'm slightly ashamed to admit, I've only heard a couple of tracks off
Return To Cookie Mountain. Tom bought it when we were in Jade Fox,
prompted, rather tellingly, by the fact that people were comparing us
to... TV On The Radio! Hell yeah.
Listening to those tunes back then, I recall having a similar response
to the one I'm having now. I was glad that a band like that was around.
Their music sounded bold, uncompromising and personal. I felt an
immediate kinship in terms of a creative value system. And they sounded
like they might be inspired by similar stuff. But I never got round to
exploring their music any further. This fact tickles me slightly as The
Guardian Guide, who were kind enough to give us a preview for our tour,
took it upon themselves to infer that our agenda is to emulate TV On
The Radio. I'm not sure how you emulate a sound you haven't heard
before, but if somebody out there has the means/technology I'd be
interested to know about it purely from a scientific standpoint. That
would be some fascinating shizzle!
Leo did meet TV On The Radio when he was on tour with Hot Chip.
Apparently they described themselves as free-thinking. That's a term
that certainly resonates. It's a good way to be. Amen to that.
Anyhoo, I'm glad I've finally got round to buying their record. I look
forward to getting stuck in. Maybe it'll be like looking in the mirror.
Somehow I am doubtful. I'll let you know how I get on.
Love from
d a v e i n v i s i b l e
X
11:02 PM
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