Five years of uncertainty...five years of solo projects that didn't really last...five years of watching the same old interviews, music videos, and awards shows on the internet...five years of an untouched website...five years of old tour dates...and five years of dutifully reading the NME in hopes of any news.
If you're a fan of the Strokes, this probably describes your experience since the release of "First Impressions of Earth" in 2006. A volatile album that, while thrilling to hear, was feared to be the last ever recorded by the seminal New York legends. But now we may rest easy.
"Under Cover of Darkness" was released a few weeks ago, and this week the accompanying video debuted. I can't accurately express how relieved I felt to hear the first few sharp high notes and short cymbals that are so characteristic of Strokes songs. What caught me off-guard was the initial high pitch of Julian Casablancas's vocals. Something left over from his 80s-retrospective "Phrazes for the Young." But don't let that fool you; his typical moaning and and incoherent cries are all there too!
This is also the first time we hear the guys harmonize. Or at least it sounds like it. The fast and sunny tempo makes you worry that it's oddly reminiscent of a Phoenix song. But what makes it all Strokes all the way is the change-off guitar solos by Albert Hammond, Jr and Nick Valensi. Neither musician has changed instruments since "Is This It?" so the sound is nearly unmistakable.
The original studio sessions with producer Joe Ciccarelli for the album were scrapped, setting back the release date further while the band regrouped and changed studio locations. But, finally, "Angles" is set to be released in the U.S. on March 22nd.
Maybe now the late bloomers like myself who only caught them just as they stopped touring in hometown will have their day. After Jack White's announcement, we really needed some good news!
No comments:
Post a Comment