"Tender Buttons" is the third studio album by the British indie electronic band, Broadcast. The album was released in the UK on 19 September 2005 and a day later in the US via Warp Records. This album marks a turning point for the band, with it being the first record made as a duo by Trish Keenan and James Cargill.
The title, "Tender Buttons," is taken from a work by Gertrude Stein, which reflected the album's experimental nature. The sound of the album differed significantly from their previous works, focusing more on minimal, glitchy electronics, often underpinned by driving bass lines, with the use of samples herein appearing to be toned down. Trish Keenan's vocals remain a staple feature of the recording, however, they are often processed electronically to provide textual contrast. Lyrically, the album continues the band's interest in the intersection of language and sound.
This album was met with positive critical reception and was characterized as synth-pop, indie rock, and alternative pop. Despite the band moving away from their initial sound, it further solidified Broadcast's position as formidable experimenters within the indie electronic genre. The mixture of minimalist beats, 60's pop, and experimental electronics gave "Tender Buttons" a unique place in the band's discography.
