Tunde Adebimpe - Thee Black Boltz (Album Review)

Photo: Xaviera Simmons

When you’re able to reflect upon your work in a beloved cult band such as TV on the Radio, it must be tempting to rest on your laurels. But, with his first solo album, Tunde Adebimpe dismisses that idea out of hand. On ‘Thee Black Boltz’ he stands as a wisdom-stricken protagonist, delivering a richly layered record that feels like a natural step for an artist who does not know the meaning of the word boundary.

From the infectious energy of Magnetic to the heartbreaking acoustic piece ILY, Adebimpe approaches the project with an open and authentic rawness while exploring the full spectrum of emotions. 

But the backbone of ‘Thee Black Boltz’ is found in a series of beautifully observed, synth-driven pop tunes.

Along with the help of co-producer and multi-instrumentalist Wilder Zoby (Run The Jewels), Adebimpe tackles them with a sense of adventure, offering unexpected musical choices to craft something exciting.

Pinstack, for example, uses angelic harmonies to break from the tone built by it electric guitar-led verse. During The Most, a sudden reggae half time section is thrown into the mix, only accentuating the bounce of the track. The inclusion of slide guitar on God Knows, meanwhile, is another subtle brushstroke. Listening to the songs separately, they could have become throwaway singles but with some careful and deliberate tweaks they are instead an exuberant and joyous collection of songs. 

Instead of offering a cheap imitation of TV on The Radio or trying desperately to create something blatantly relevant, Adebimpe builds upon the decades-old foundations of pop, creating something that is uniquely his own. By remaining curious, he remains at the top of his game.

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