Review: The Strokes - Angles

The Strokes are the ultimate new rock paradox. They were a band that suffered commercial failure and hipster backlash upon unleashing their debut Is this it?, at the same time becoming the saviors of not only the New York music scene, but all of rock music.  Their influence stretches across the globe, and the release of their fourth album sees them entering the second decade of this century as elder statesman in a fading rock scene.

Maccu Pichu introduces the album, and its slow build groove bounces along before Albert Hammond Jnrs guitar gushes forth and properly announces their return.  First single 'Under the Cover of Darkness' is next, a rollicking track with multiple rhythm transitions and another great Hammond guitar solo.  Even Casablancas' usually rambling lyrics seem more lucid here.

'Two Kinds of Happiness' and 'Taken for a Fool' expand on the bands original sound, with the band taking liberties with the structure of the songs to great effect.  'You're so right' is a darker turn musically for the band, but no less propulsive or addictive, whilst 'Games' mines new wave for some inspired, although familiar, moments.

The bands refusal to pin themselves down to one sound continues on the albums sole ballad, the sweetly simple 'Call me back', before 'Gratisfaction' kicks in, basking in its retro rock pedigree without ever reaching any great heights.  Just when you thought they had packed the album in, 'Metabolism' re-establishes their polished, muscular sound and struts toward a tidy conclusion, from which 'Life is simple in the moonlight' picks up the baton and bolts for the finish line. 

I doubt this album is going to inspire another generation of garage rock kids to revive the scene once more, but what it does show is that the cruciate pariahs of this generation are still very much a part of its future.

Listen to the album HERE