The wait was worth it – 25 years on from their game-changing debut, Is This It, The Strokes are back with Reality Awaits, a sonic sledgehammer that shatters expectations and leaves fans pining for more. Recorded in the tropical sun of Costa Rica under the watchful eye of production guru Rick Rubin, this seventh album marks a bold departure from their tried-and-tested sound, embracing experimentation and innovation with reckless abandon.
From the opening bars of 'Liar's Remorse', it's clear The Strokes are playing a new game. Guitar breaks that sound like they've been hijacked by a brass section mingle with staccato riffs and synth chords, culminating in a retro video game aesthetic that's as bewildering as it is brilliant. Meanwhile, 'Lonely In The Future' launches with a pounding bassline and driving drums, while 'Going To Babble On' unleashes an 80s rock-inspired guitar solo that's as face-melting as it is unexpected.
Julian Casablancas, ever the enigmatic frontman, seems to have found his mojo on Reality Awaits. His vocals soar and swoop across the album's landscape, veering from falsetto highs to raspy lows via baritone croons and Auto-Tune theatrics. It's as if he's rediscovered his passion for The Strokes' music – and that energy is infectious.
Lyrically, Reality Awaits tackles the big questions with unflinching honesty. Lead single 'Going Shopping' lays into late-stage capitalism and environmental degradation with a ferocity that's as unsettling as it is necessary. 'Psycho Shit', meanwhile, navigates the blurred lines between personal introspection and sharp political commentary – and it's a thrilling ride.
But The Strokes haven't lost their sense of humour either. Tracks like 'Lonely In The Future' nod to their history of being ahead of the curve, while Casablancas's lyrics in 'Going To Babble On' playfully critique music journalism and contemporary pop culture. It's a clever wink to fans who've been with them every step of the way.
In short, Reality Awaits is a game-changer – an album that will delight old fans and draw in new ones alike with its bold soundscapes and fearless attitude. The Strokes may have taken their time getting here, but they've arrived with a bang – and we can't wait to see what's next.