The wait is over – Reality Awaits, the long-awaited seventh album from NYC legends The Strokes, has finally landed on our shores, and it's a game-changer. Released via RCA/Cult, this magnum opus marks their first new material in six years, and trust us, it's been worth the wait.
For die-hard fans who've been holding onto hope that The Strokes would recapture their early 2000s magic, Reality Awaits is a breath of fresh air. Following the nostalgia trip that was 2020's The New Abnormal, this album sees the band boldly embracing a new era – one where they're not afraid to take risks and blend their signature minimalist pop with the experimental flair of frontman Julian Casablancas's side project, The Voidz.
It's a match made in heaven, and the result is an album that's full of surprises. From the warped weirdness of The Voidz's 2018 album Virtue, you'll find echoes of AutoTune and avant-garde weirdness seeping into The Strokes' melodic DNA. But don't worry – it's not a complete overhaul; the band still retains that unmistakable Strokes sound, with Julian's voice soaring to new heights.
Standout tracks like 'Going to Babble On' showcase Casablancas's vocal dexterity, warbling about pop culture icons and delivering lines like "and in a hundred thousand years from now!" within classic Strokes melodies. It's a wild ride, full of unexpected delights that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Musically, Reality Awaits is an unbridled joy fest – think playful yacht rock grooves ('Going Shopping'), sinister 80s vibes ('The Fruits of Conquest'), and production so crisp it's almost tangible. Sure, some critics have noted a slight misstep with the closing track 'Tyrants of the Mellow Moon', but overall, this album is an unqualified triumph.
In short, Reality Awaits proves that The Strokes are more than just a relic of their NYC heyday – they're innovators, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in modern rock music. This album is the sound of a band rediscovering themselves, and it's an absolute revelation.
In this game-changing era for the band, Reality Awaits cements The Strokes' place as one of the most exciting acts on the planet – and we can't wait to see what they do next.