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9.1
141040
9.1 |
A.V. Club
The TV On The Radio frontman delivers a focused, raw collection of songs with Thee Black Boltz
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9.0
141001
9.0 |
musicOMH
The TV On The Radio frontman’s highly accomplished, elegantly performed, wonderfully sung debut solo album is the work of a master craftsman
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8.1
140976
8.1 |
Paste Magazine
After two decades shaping the pulse of art-rock through TV On The Radio, Adebimpe remains defiantly human on his debut album, meditating in the chaos of creativity and untethered by genre—still evolving; still electric
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8.0
140977
8.0 |
DIY
As much a rebirth as it is a document of survival
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8.0
140978
8.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Even though Thee Black Boltz may fall short in comparison with the band’s best records, it still offers flashes of brilliance and maybe even some comfort if you’re going through a difficult patch
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8.0
140980
8.0 |
Record Collector
Adebimpe's solo bow is a bracingly personal blast of emotion, invention and radiant positivity. Print edition only
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8.0
140981
8.0 |
Mojo
More a shiny recalibration of TVOTR's high-density art rock than a radical restart, especially of their more electronic, funky and pop-facing side. Print edition only
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8.0
140983
8.0 |
Clash
It really spotlights his artistry and musical intelligence ranging from indie, electronic and folk. With so much going on it would be easy for it to be overbearing but he finds a way to bring it all together and flow wonderfully
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8.0
140984
8.0 |
Dork
By the time closer ‘Streetlight Nuevo’ arrives, it’s clear we’ve witnessed something special – an artist taking full creative flight. ‘Thee Black Boltz’ pushes boundaries while remaining incredibly enjoyable
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8.0
140998
8.0 |
All Music
Given Adebimpe's 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
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8.0
140999
8.0 |
The Observer
The TV on the Radio frontman’s sharp pop instincts kick in on a multifaceted synth-punk-funk set born out of deep personal loss
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7.8
141004
7.8 |
Northern Transmissions
Music, love, and the desire to create have the power to stun these wild distractions, and these abstractions can often provide comfort, self-knowledge, and clarity
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7.7
141024
7.7 |
Spectrum Culture
The prospect of a Tunde Adebimpe solo album seemed unlikely until the moment it appeared, and its presence as the latest project of a restless creative spirit is, in its own way, quite comforting
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7.6
140979
7.6 |
Pitchfork
The TV on the Radio singer sharpens his voice on his debut solo album, using bold synth melodies and driving beats as the backdrop to some of his most nuanced performances yet
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7.0
140985
7.0 |
Far Out
He isn’t trying too hard to eclipse the likes of Panda Bear or LCD Soundsystem, but he clearly just shows that he’s got plenty still to offer, and he seems incredibly content in doing so
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7.0
141012
7.0 |
PopMatters
While still discovering his individual identity, TV on the Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe offers plenty to consider about the human condition along the way
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6.0
140982
6.0 |
Uncut
Though the apple doesn't fall far from the electronic/art-rock tree, the writing isn't as fully realised as TVOTR's and the playing lacks their meaty resonance. Print edition only
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