NYC's garage rock ambassadors The Strokes are back with the most anticipated album of the year, Angles. The follow up to 2006's inconsistent First Impressions of Earth finds the garage rock pioneers returning to their familiar sound that they crafted on their classic 2001 debut Is This It. This new effort is one of The Strokes best albums since their debut and is a real return to form for Julian and Co.
The disc opens up with the electronic infused number "Machu Picchu". Lead singer Julian Casablancas' familiar vocal presence returns in full force amidst the electronic backdrop and the familiar Strokes branded guitar riffs coming right back at you instantaneously. The amazingly spectacular "Under Cover of Darkness" is a sonic and instant melodic delight inside and out with Julian's familiar vocal refrains and Albert Hammond Jr.'s expert guitar skills driving the song full speed ahead to the finish line. "Two Kinds of Happiness" is a retro, 80's styled vintage tune that is chock full of electronic synthesizers and that familiar Strokes charm that you've grown to love and be accustomed to all these years. "Taken For A Fool" is a hybrid mix of electronic influences and garage rock rhythms that when blended together, create a sonically pleasurable experience that is one of the highlights of a pretty marvelous album heard so far.
The album's second half starts off with "Call Me Back" a mid tempo, quiet number that is the perfect showcase for Julian's echoing vocals to once again work their magic throughout the song. "Gratisfaction" is a wonderful, aural delight that features great bass lines from bassist Nikolai Fraiture, who adds a certain, distinct element to Strokes songs that doesn't get enough credit as he very well should. My favorite song off the album is the disc's closer "Life Is Simple In The Moonlight", a mid tempo rocker that encapsulates everything there is to love about The Strokes: Julian's awesome vocal abilities, Nick Valensi and Albert's dual guitar experiences blending together, Nikolai's fantastic bass licks, and Fabrizio Moretti's melodic and unique drumming style all adding a certain allure that has appealed to thousands of fans all over the world. When I first heard The Strokes back in 2001, I wasn't initially impressed with them and didn't really see much in their music to be desired. Over time, I grew to love them and finally came to realize their immense talents and what they have to bring to the table. Now, these strapping young gents are one of my favorite bands and have helped spearhead the garage rock movement as we know it today.
Looking back, The Strokes have completely reinvigorated their careers with a true return to form effort that shows the listening audience that they're back in full force and ready to pick up right where they left off. Highly recommended!
Album Score: 4/5
Track Listing:
- Machu Picchu
- Under Cover of Darkness
- Two Kinds of Happiness
- You're So Right
- Taken For A Fool
- Games
- Call Me Back
- Gratisfaction
- Metabolism
- Life Is Simple In The Moonlight
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