The Strokes - The New Abnormal
The New Abnormal is the latest album from The Strokes, the first from the indie rock outfit in seven years.It’s a summery collection of songs, perfect for driving around with the roofdown onyour cute little vintage convertible, rather unfortunately releasedwhilst we’re all stuck inside.However,if you’re aboutthrow open your windows, grab a beer and soak up what little sunshine we’re blessed with,thenthis albumwillmake the perfect backdrop toyourlazy Sunday afternoon.The first track, ‘The Adults Are Talking’ was debuted at a show in May 2019, with the full album coming out nearly a whole year later.
Arguablypoppierthan their previous stuff, it proves an upbeat start, withfrontman JulianCasablancas’ unique vocalsstretching out over an electronic keyboard melody.This is followed by the slightly more soulful ‘Selfless’,and‘Brooklyn BridgeToChorus’, which was so obviously inspired by eighties pop it’s almost the wrong side of cool (though not quite,propsto them).‘Why Are Sundays So Depressing’is a bit more guitar based. It’s invitingly relaxing and laid back, and leads nicely onto the introspective ‘NotTheSame Any More’.
For me personally, I miss The Strokes heavier side in this album, and if I’m being completely honest I’d steer clear of the falsetto (especially where it’s starting to lead the songs in a direction that’s looking scarily like TheBee Gees). I’dsay it’sdefinitely nottheir best, but it’s not a bad effort at all, and while writing this review has provided the backdrop for many sun-soaked lagers in the garden. Cheers to that, boys.
7/10
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