The Strokes are back!
For those who don’t know The Strokes, they’re a quintet made up of Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond, Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums). The band breathed new life into rock in the 2000s, selling over 5 million albums worldwide and releasing 4 studio albums: Is This It (2001), Room on Fire (2003), First Impressions of Earth (2006) and Angles (2011). 2 years ago, we left the Strokes on the brink of implosion following the release of their last album, which divided the critics. The New Yorkers will be releasing a new opus on March 25, entitled Comedown Machine, recorded between July and November 2012 at Electric Lady Studios in New York. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the album. Verdict…
On this album, it’s clear that the band is going in two different directions: the first is “classic”, i.e. the garage rock sound that is the Strokes’ trademark. Tracks like “All the Time” and “5050” are highly effective, reminiscent of their early albums. The “All the Time” video clip, featuring archive footage, evokes this golden age.
The other direction taken is that of a more 1980s sound, with the use of synthesizers, notably on the track “One way Tiger”, which was already unveiled a few weeks ago and which raised the Buzz and at the same time surprised fans.
Casablancas also plays a lot with his voice and has a tendency to go high, as on “Top out”, which opens the album. “Call it Fate” is also very minimalist.
In the end, “Comedown Machine” is undeniably better than “Angles”, but still no match for the first albums. The 11 tracks are still very well-crafted, and it’s a pleasure to hear the band again.
We can’t wait for the tour!
Comedown Machine
Release March 25
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
