CD of The Week

By now, the story of the Return Of The Strokes has been well told. The band needed some time apart after touring behind 2006’s First Impressions Of Earth, which led to a series of solo/side projects from four of the five members (that Nick Valensi…what a slacker!), which led to the question: will The Strokes reform?

The guys eventually decided they wanted to take another crack at making music together, but with relationships still fractured, it was a difficult process, with almost all of the original attempts at recording scrapped. Plus frontman Julian Casablancas was still out supporting his own solo album and did much of his vocals separate from the rest of the group. Also, in the past Casablancas wrote everything for The Strokes, but the writing on the new record Angles was more “democratic.” Having said all that, how does it sound?

Angles certainly feels like different musical visions being fit together. Opener “Machu Picchu” has a surprising ‘80s reggae-rock vibe to Albert Hammond Jr. & Valensi’s riffage (and has a line about “wearing a jacket made of meat”…Lady Gaga?). Lead single “Under Cover Of Darkness” sounds the most like classic Strokes. “You’re So Right” is another highlight, while “Gratisfaction” shows a major Cars influence. Casablancas has really stretched out his singing in recent years, and continues to evolve from the Is This It days, hitting high notes he never attempted in the past.

Unfortunately, the middle of the album has one too many unfinished ideas. Angles is lacking in Hammond & Valensi’s memorable guitar hooks, which was always the band’s signature sound. I’m fine with them experimenting in new guitar tones, but many of the new songs lack the catchiness of The Strokes’ best. The band is committed to touring in 2011, but with Angles, it still feels like the band members could splinter off into their own angles once again.