After the release of their debut album This Is It all those years ago, The Strokes were widely labelled as the most influential indie band around. The New York five-piece set themselves the seeming impossible task of ever topping one of the greatest debut albums of all time. Any band with such critical acclaim for their debut comes across the inevitable hurdle with their following albums; continue with their trademark sound and be criticised for not developing, or reinvent themselves and be criticised for selling out as musicians. The Strokes’ fifth album Comedown Machine finally hits the right mark between innovative and familiar ground.
One Way Trigger, the first single to be released from the upcoming album, shocked many with Julian Casablancas’ experimental falsetto and the 80s new wave inspired synths with an undeniable comparison to A-ha. Once the initial shock wear off however, the track’s genius can be appreciated. One Way Trigger is a perfect taster for the album as it really sets the tone. Indie icon Casablancas’ messy falsetto features on many of the tracks including the dramatic opener, Tap Out. Don’t be alarmed though as his sexy, husky and slightly distorted vocals are still a main feature, especially in the stand-out track 50/50 which actually sounds like a Strokes song, as does the second single to be taken from the album, All The Time. Everything slows down with 80s Comedown Machine and Chances which border on the atmospheric and offer a contrast to the faster, rockier tracks such as Welcome to Japan and Partners in Crime. Each track has something to offer and it’s easy to imagine each one being a hit single.
The whole album is brought together into one complete musical triumph by the funky rhythm that encompasses each track. This take on 80s synth-pop intertwined with The Strokes’ signature sound makes for a legendary piece of work.
With a nostalgic video for the second single All The Time and a tribute to their record label as the album artwork, everything points towards the end of the road for The Strokes, and if true then what a way to end their career as one of the best loved bands of their generation. Whether they make another album or not, The Strokes will no doubt continue to influence bands far and wide for many years to come.
Published in Brum Notes here
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