The Strokes album 'The New Abnormal' is actually normal for the band
The Strokes are back with its first album in seven years, finding its way back onto the radar of rock fanatics everywhere with its return to form, "The New Abnormal."
The sorely missed and unforgettable voice of lead singer Julian Casablancas transports us back to the nostalgic time when indie rock was glorified, and the Strokes were played on repeat — the early 2000s.
For those of you who haven’t heard of the Strokes — many of you probably haven’t — it rose to fame when frosted tips and rhinestones were still in fashion. But despite the time’s disastrous sense of fashion, the group found its way onto the Manhattan music scene, destined to be a trailblazer for others to follow.
It released "Comedown Machine" back in 2013, and since its 2001 release of "Is This It," have we not heard its signature sound surface until "The New Abnormal." With previous hits including “Last Nite,” “Reptilia” and “Someday,” we’ve missed Casablancas's careless attitude he projects in his vocals and lyrics.
Not to mention the band's recklessness which the album's voluminous cover portrays through “Bird on Money” by Jean-Michel Basquiat. A disarray of symbols and scribbles with a giant bird plastered right in the middle makes it look as though a five year old painted it. Yet, its hippy-esque features succeed to sum up everything the Strokes remind us of.
The long-playing record (LP) introduces its long-awaited epic with “The Adults Are Talking.” As one of the more upbeat songs on the album, its ominous vibe and relaxing quality makes it the greatest tune to create the perfect head bop to.
The easy-to-remember lyrics, long and drawn out notes and rocking beat makes “Bad Decisions” the best song on the LP. An instant favorite for any fan of indie rock.
One of the less desirable songs, “Selfless,” slows things down and immediately makes the distinction that it’s not the greatest choice to listen to on your way to Dairy Queen with your best friends. Casablancas's lyrics can barely be made out behind his muffled voice. Its chorus is what saves the song as it slightly resembles the sound of Keane’s “She Has No Time.”
Another instant classic for indie rock fans is “At The Door.” The melody’s transparent wave of emotion and relatable lyrics create the perfect setting to drift off into a daydream mid-study session. As soon as we hear the lyrics “struck me like a chord” alone against the keyboard, the rest of the instruments begin to flood in and we get to feel the vulnerability in Casablancas's voice.
The final song on the album entitled “Ode To The Mets” acts as the cherry on top, mainly due to its lachrymose and transcendent effect. It's the opportune song to truly hear the range in Casablancas's belt as many of his other works are subject to his muttering.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved rock, every type of rock: indie, folk, punk, alternative, blues, soul, electric and more. As a huge fan of the Strokes and similar indie rock bands such as the Fratellis, the Smiths, the Verve, the Shins, I could go on, I loved "The New Abnormal."
Will I go far enough to say it’s the masterpiece we’ve been waiting for since Michael Jackson’s "Thriller"? Absolutely not. The Strokes’ LP isn’t amazing or should be considered a masterpiece in any form of the word. But it's pretty great.
I don’t listen to albums very often. In fact, the only album I’ve ever willingly been able to sit through is Radiohead’s "The Bends," and I barely made it through that.
Yet I reiterate, "The New Abnormal "is pretty damn great.
