REVIEWSMaximum Balloon, ‘Maximum Balloon’

7

• SPIN Rating:7 of 10

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Label: DGC/Interscope

As TV on the Radio's resident sound sculptor, Dave Sitek has never hidden his dance-floor inclinations. On this solo-ish debut, though, he gives that funk factor full reign, recruiting pals Karen O and David Byrne to sing over synthed-up disco-rock that's brighter and bouncier than his main band's anxious throb. Maximum Balloon deflates when Sitek switches into avant-cabaret mode; "The Lesson," with Holly Miranda, sounds like an outtake from the so-so Scarlett Johansson record Sitek produced. But "Groove Me" and "Shakedown" definitely live up to their titles.

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