After nearly a decade of waiting since their last studio album, Comedown Machine (2013), The Strokes returned in 2020 with The New Abnormal. This record showcases a clear evolution in their sound, moving away from the sharp riffs and garage rock of their early days in Is This It and Room On Fire to embrace a more refined and experimental production. The New Abnormal is defined by a more introspective atmosphere, with a focus on synthesizers and melancholic melodies, making it resonate with the retro vibe of bands like Tame Impala or even the more recent work of Foo Fighters.
What can we hear?
The New Abnormal is a sonic journey that blends nostalgia for the 80s and 90s with a quest for new sounds. The Strokes have managed to evolve without losing the unique spark that defines them. The influence of bands like LCD Soundsystem and The Killers is evident, especially in the more electronic and pulsating tracks, but always with Julian Casablancas’ unmistakable raspy voice at the forefront, immersing us in an album that is both a reflection and a statement of their musical maturity.
The Adults Are Talking:
The album opens with The Adults Are Talking, a track that sets the tone with sharp guitars and a blend of atmospheric synthesizers. Casablancas’ lyrics are filled with sarcasm and frustration, while the band experiments with rhythm changes and textures. The song carries a vibe reminiscent of what bands like The Killers and Radiohead were doing at their peak, yet it maintains The Strokes’ unmistakable touch.
Selfless & Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus:
Selfless takes a softer, more melodic turn, with an ethereal atmosphere created by synthesizers and gentle guitars. The track feels introspective, touching on themes of self-isolation and emotional disconnection.
Next up, Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus is an epic sonic journey that slowly builds with melodic guitars and an immersive rhythmic base. The nostalgic and melancholic lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of the city and the feeling of being trapped in a cycle. There’s a sense of desperation in the song, reminiscent of the emotional intensity of bands like Radiohead, but with a brighter, more expansive approach.
Bad Decisions & Eternal Summer:
Bad Decisions brings a more energetic turn with a catchy riff and an unstoppable rhythm. The song pays homage to the ‘80s, blending indie and modern rock with a nostalgic yet fresh twist.
Eternal Summer slows things down with smooth guitars and a laid-back atmosphere. The track carries a dreamy vibe, as if meditating on the passage of time and the longing to escape. It’s slightly darker than its predecessor, yet the melody remains captivating.
At the Door & Why Are Sundays So Depressing:
In At the Door, The Strokes move away from their traditional sound, exploring a colder, more minimalist atmosphere where synthesizers dominate the production, and Casablancas‘ vocals feel more processed and distant, creating a sense of existential anguish.
Meanwhile, Why Are Sundays So Depressing takes that melancholy even further, with a slower, more relaxed rhythm that perfectly captures the hopelessness of a Sunday, the gloomiest day of the week. Its soft atmosphere, enhanced by ethereal synths and a laid-back rhythmic base, evokes an existential void reminiscent of the more introspective works of The War on Drugs.
Not the Same Anymore & An incredible ending:
In Not the Same Anymore, The Strokes offer a reflection on the passage of time and personal evolution. The atmosphere is introspective, with a nostalgic touch that feels like a farewell to something that no longer exists. The production here is more atmospheric.
The album closes with Ode to the Mets, an epic ballad that serves both as a tribute to New York City and a reflection on impermanence. The song starts softly but builds in intensity, with intertwining guitars and a melody that reaches an emotional climax. Casablancas sings about nostalgia and frustration, while the band creates an epic atmosphere, very much in line with their influence on bands like Porcupine Tree.
The New Abnormal is a step into a new era for The Strokes. With a more sophisticated and experimental sound, the band moves away from their garage rock roots to embrace a more melodic and electronic approach. The influences of both contemporary and classic bands are evident, but The Strokes manage to stay true to their unique style. It’s an introspective album, full of reflections on the passage of time, the city, and self-perception, proving they still have much to offer in their sonic evolution.
What do you think? What’s your favorite song from the album? Leave us your comments and let us know which other Strokes album you’d like us to review on The Rock Review.
