Angles

Album artwork by Guy Pouppez

Although the fourth studio album by The Strokes has been written off by some who claim that the LP fails to live up to what we have come to expect from the New York based quintet (with releases like Is This It and Room On Fire), in my opinion it is one the best albums of 2011 so far. This is because what Angles requires is patience and a lot of re-plays. Whereas songs like Under Cover Of Darkness and Gratisfaction will hook the audience on their first listen, other intricate tracks like Games and Machu Picchu will need to be played various times for the listener to come to terms with the transition that The Strokes have made from the raw and uncompromising Last Nite to where they are musically now. Even if after hearing the 10 track album album a few times you are still disappointed, there is a silver lining. Angles shows some clear signs of promise for the future of The Strokes. 


Reading articles like Tim Jonze's on The Guardian's website (read here) which explain the tension between the band during the recording process of Angles seems to clash with the smooth and flowing integration from the band which emanates from highlight tracks such as Taken For A Fool (released on May 24, 2011). Furthermore, recent live appearances from Later with Jools Holland show a band who work exceedingly well as a unit and most importantly, are making great sounding music. After bagging summer headline spots at top festivals like Reading & Leeds, Coachella and Benicassim, the long term future looks bright for the Strokes who are currently back in the studio looking at new ideas for the follow-up to Angles. And for fans who are still feeling a sense of worry regarding one of their favourite bands, lead guitarist Nick Valensi states: "I feel like we have a better album in us, and it's going to come out soon."

Coming Soon