The band's upcoming album Clinging to a Scheme will be their first in four years, although there is some confusion as to why it's been so long... according to Wikipedia, the album was planned to be released in September 2008 but for some reason it was delayed after an EP was released a few months earlier. Regardless, the album is coming out on April 21st and these tracks serve as very good news.

A very cool drum beat along with piano, bells, and a synthesizer hold down the first track "David", while guitar pops in to add some flare that rounds out the sound. While scrolling through my tags, shoegaze startled me but it actually fits really well... mostly thanks to the hazy vocals.

The next track is a lot more direct-- it's basically a love song, but at the same time it's more than that... it begins with a narrative talking about the destruction of youth culture so in a way it's like of like an anthem. I feel hesitant to say this, but it's kind of like Broken Social Scene in that respect. But anyway, enough talking, form your own opinion:

mp3: The Radio Dept. - "David"

mp3: The Radio Dept. - "Heavens On Fire"

[via]