Released: Mar 18, 2011
Genre: New Wave, Garage Rock Revival, Indie Rock, Post-Punk Revival
Label: RCA/Rough Trade
Number Of Tracks: 10
Aside from the fact that you would be right in thinking that Angles is in no way groundbreaking, your first impressions of The Strokes' latest album are probably worthless.
AnglesFeatured review by: UG Team, on march 18, 2011 5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Sound: It has been five years since The Strokes have graced our ears with their eclectic take on indie rock n' roll. Since their last record, 2006's First Impressions of Earth, various side projects from the respective members have come and gone, but none quite as comparable or hype-worthy as the build up to 2011's Angles. Due to this lapse in time, nobody quite knew what to expect from the New York City boys. However once the first single Under Cover of Darkness, driven by its perfectly Strokes-esque eclectic yet entwining guitar lines (reminiscent of the Indie jauntiness of Is This It's Someday) was released as a free download in February, fans were reassured that The Strokes were back in business and ready to captivate those that still cared. That being said, fans looking for a full-on classic album from the American quintet will be fully surprised by the sound of the modern-day Strokes. Full of tempo and time changes, Angles is an album that flows from start to finish, evoking a whole spectrum of emotions whilst delighting the listener with little surprises here and there. For example, the first track off the album, Machu Picchu, begins with haunting twin guitars complemented by a funky bass-line that would not sound out of place on The Clash's Sandinista! - that is, until the instrumentals blossom into a polished, and cleanly cut chorus that defines The Strokes oh-so well. The Strokes progression as a band, and willingness to experiment is perfectly captured on sixth track Games. Clearly the most avant-garde tune on the album, it begins with a consistent thumping of the drum's bass complemented by a silky, star-like sound. This soon drops to a deep, naked bassline which completely changes the mood of the song until a wall of moog's kicks in with Julian's crooning voice. If ever there was a Strokes song for the smokers and tokers out there, this would be it with its hypnotising interludes and dream-like quality. One of the stand-out tracks on the album, aptly titled Gratisfaction with its ebullient guitar lines, mini-guitar solo, dependable drums, and catchy chorus, epitomizes where The Strokes are right now as a band. A prominent track on the album, hitting hard after the downbeat yet captivating menace that is previous track Call Me Back, Gratisfaction is sure to be a future fan-favourite. Another unexpected track is the penultimate number Metabolism which sounds a little like the slower, bastard half-brother of a Muse track a-la Black Holes and Revelations. Whilst The Strokes' new sound on Angles may lend itself to innovation and the somewhat bohemian, there are still tunes on the record that can be deemed 'classic' for those 'old-school' fans. Such would be the case for songs like first single Under Cover of Darkness, Two Kinds of Happiness, Taken for a Fool, and album closer Life is Simple in The Moonlight. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: For the most part, Julian Casablancas' lyrics on the album do not really cover that wide a spectrum with many of the tracks about relationship issues. With that being said, he does successfully pen such lyrics in a fascinating enough way to prevent them from getting soggy and stale. For example, album ballad Call Me Back is about the hardships and worry of discovering information about someone, and disclosing your hidden secrets from said person as Casablancas croons: “Tell me, don't tell me/ The hard part is telling you something that you would not like me to tell you”. On another track You're So Right, Casablancas warbles about trying to understand the reasons for a fight between a loved one: “Tell me what happened/ If you like” and “What are the reasons/ To fall out”, and consequently trying to remedy the situation: “I don't want to fight/ Don't want it, baby”. Probably the most revealing set of lyrics into the band's dynamics is single Under Cover of Darkness, which presents the backbone for the band's hiatus after their previous album and their consequent reformation. The tune poses lyrics such as “Know how folks back out, I still call/ Will you hate me now?” about how previous decisions on reforming were squandered due to the member's not all being on the same page, and “I'll wait for you/ Will you wait for me too?” questioning the band's relevance towards fans after such a long hiatus. Whilst Casablancas' lyrics may not be the most diverse in content, the beauty of his penmanship is the multiple ways in which they can be interpreted. // 6
Impression: Aside from the fact that you would be right in thinking that Angles is in no way groundbreaking, your first impressions of The Strokes' latest album are probably worthless. Within the first listen, you would be forgiven for thinking this a mediocre album, with at most a few standout tracks. However, this is an album that needs to be listened to more than once, from start to finish. The fluidity with which the tracks glide from one to the next makes this a more complete and unifying album than any The Strokes have previously recorded. Whether this is the result of the members recording as a whole in the studio for the first time, and compromising their respective ideas per track, or the result of the five year hiatus bringing out the sparkle in them is unclear. But what is certain, is that over time each track will present to you its individual character and quirkiness, which in turn will allow each tune to evoke a response that permits it to rightly stand alone as a unique Strokes song. // 8
Angles
Reviewed by:
MrKroc, on march 22, 2011 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: "Everybody's singing the same song for ten years," roars Julian Casablancas on Under Cover Of Darkness, the first single of The Strokes' new album Angles. Ever since The Strokes broke through to the mainstream with their first album Is This It? In 2001, every other indie rock song you hear on the radio sounds like it could have been penned by Casablancas and the gang. For The Strokes, Angles is their opportunity to prove that they are still relevant and not simply a relic of the Naughties, and they do not fail to deliver.
The opening track "Machu Picchu" takes you in a time warp back to the '80's, and that New Wave vibe lingers throughout the entire album. With it's catchiness and captivating instrumentation during the chorus, it puts the album off to a great start.
Angles doesn't slow down for a second and heads straight into the first single and the most "Strokes-ish" song on the album, "Under Cover of Darkness". With the classic dual guitar of Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr., the track is reminiscent of earlier songs in The Strokes catalog like "Someday."
The rest of the album returns to the '80's sound that Julian has been experimenting with since his solo debut. The Strokes wear their Cars' influence on their sleeve on "Two Kinds of Happiness", with Casablancas doing his best Ric Ocasek impersonation. "You're So Right" is a little drony New Wave type of track, but features an awesome guitar solo. "Taken For a Fool" is danceable and catchy, sounding like something that you'd hear on an iPod commercial.
The album starts to slow down a bit about halfway through. The '80's sound continues on "Games", although overall I feel like it's the most forgettable song on the album. "Call Me Back" starts off with a poppy guitar hook, but takes an interesting turn during the chorus and bridge that might take some getting used to.
The album picks back up with "Gratisfaction", which sounds a bit like Thin Lizzy and features a chorus filled with backing vocals. The penultimate track, the menacing "Metabolism", has a dominant riff that sounds like it could be off of First Impressions of Earth (for better or for worse).
The album closes with the contemplative track "Life is Simple in the Moonlight". With its volume swells and lackadaisical vocals, the low-key versus crescendo into a catchy and powerful chorus and a lively Nick Valensi guitar solo, creating a perfect closer that leaves you wanting more. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: In typical Casablancas fashion, the lyrics sometimes sound as if they could be made up on the spot, with the occasional flash of brilliance striking through. The topics seem to deal mostly with relationships and Casablancas's struggles within The Strokes. "Monday, Tuesday is my weekend", he croons during the chorus of "Taken for a Fool", almost lamenting the life of being a performer. "Animals on TV singing about something they once felt" from "Life is Simple in the Moonlight" is another example of this sort of feeling he portrays on this album.
It is worth noting that Casablancas has very much improved his singing ability, probably from both practice and sobering up. When I saw them live, I was surprised at his skill level, considering he not known for being the best vocalist out there. He experiments with his singing a bit during Angles, but mostly sticks to the Morrison-like growl we know him for. // 7
Impression: Angles will not give you the same feeling that you had the first time you heard Is This It?. It'll probably take a few listens to appreciate the album, but overall, I'm pretty satisfied. If you like The Strokes, 80's music, interesting guitar and synth lines, and brightly colored artwork then Angles is the album for you.
"Don't try to stop us, get out of the way", shouts Jules at the album's close, and let's hope that there is no stopping the boys from NYC on their future releases. // 8
Angles
Reviewed by:
work sucks, on march 22, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Pop. Fun. Ambition. New Wave? Angles. This is a different kind of Strokes record. But if you let go of any 'expectations' you might have had of this album, and forget about what you think a band like The Strokes SHOULD sound like, then you'll probably enjoy this album.
First of all, the name of the album says it all. Angles is truly the most collaborative thing The Strokes have worked on, and it is also the least cohesive album they've ever released. Each band member contributes something from his own unique perspective and his own musical influences. The influences are apparent and sometimes even blatantly obvious in each track (I won't name any). It's not the most original thing they've come up with, but it is fully a Strokes album regardless, and it is a good listen, regardless.
This is the poppiest thing The Strokes have ever released, and the songs are as catchy as can be. Don't really understand why the worn-out "garage rock" label is still being dragged around with this band. Angles is not that.
There are 80s pop, New Wave influences here, starting off strong with "Machu Picchu". The more electronic-sounding drum beats contribute the most to this feel in general. But to say this album sounds like one decade would be short-sighted, as The Strokes build from various influences (retro, modern and futuristic) to assemble their own little collage of music they listen to and enjoy. I'm tempted to say that they actually build upon those influences to create their own new brand of music, but I don't feel like they really do that to any significant extent on this particular album.
There is a bit new exploration in regards to the variety of sounds that guitarists Albert and Nick can get out of their guitars. There is a range from a naked clean sound to an almost cheap-sounding fizz. It's always appropriate to each song though, so it fits, but there isn't much of a 'flow' or anything to latch on to for the length of the entire album. More often than not, one guitar will take on the 'lead' role while the other plays in the background, as opposed to previous Strokes records where there is more of an equal balance of roles between the two guitars.
The drums are more electronic-sounding. There are definitely some pre-programmed beats on this LP, although they come in limited amounts. The pulsating drum beats are also louder in the mix than on previous records. The bass is present and solid as always, but in terms of bringing anything new in particular to the table... it doesn't. Both the drums and bass disappear for the quietest track on the album, "Call Me Back".
The occasional keyboards/synths - yes - add to the happy electro-pop feel of this album, and help complete the vibe. Flute sounds and whistle sounds are just a part of the mixture... but are solid contributors, not just hastily thrown in there. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: We all (should) know about Julian's abilities as a vocalist. No need to elaborate on that. But... what about the other guys in the band? Oh yes, we find out, as guitarists Albert and Nick take on backup singing duties on Angles. This new vocal interplay between the three is present throughout the album, and is most notably effective (to me) in the final 25 seconds of "Call Me Back" and the chorus sections in "Gratisfaction". It's like The Strokes found a new fun toy to play with, or an instrument they've always had but just haven't decided to use until now.
As for Julian himself, the presentation of his vocals have changed significantly since 2006. They once again find themselves buried a little deeper into the mix, as opposed to the more prominent vocals in FIOE. In Angles Julian's vocals are more processed and 'modified' in the studio than they've ever been, which continues the sense of sonic exploration the rest of the band goes through on this LP. Also of note, Julian's vocal range is stretched noticeably higher than it has been in the past, which makes me wonder if he'll be able to pull those notes off in the middle of a full live set. We'll see. Sounds very good on the recordings nevertheless.
Lyrically, this album is pretty average. For me, personally, lyrics can only add to an album's sound, never take away. Good lyrics are a plus. The lyrics in Angles essentially add nothing to the album. In albums past, memorable Strokes lyrics have pushed albums from 'very good' to 'great', and that quality is not present on Angles. On the first couple of listens I did enjoy one line in particular, from "Under Cover Of Darkness", which proclaims: "Everybody's been singing the same song for ten years. That made me smile. // 7
Impression: Strokes fans, get over It. Well, not completely, of course (ITI is my favorite album - ever), but don't let the past get in the way of you enjoying this record. The Strokes know all about hype. Strokes fans know all about hype. Forget all that. After five years, The Strokes give us yet another good record. Yes, that's it. Listen to it. Enjoy it. Angles will be your summer album of 2011 if you'll let it.
Fun. Ambitious. A victory after a five-year hiatus. Surprisingly, to me it feels almost like something a young up-and-coming band today would release as its debut. In several ways, that makes sense. Times have changed. And after so much time apart (musically), The Strokes seem refreshed. I like what I hear, and I'm excited to see where The Strokes will go next. // 7
I want to start off by thanking Adam for a great review. I honestly thought UG would bash this album, and I was shocked to see hardly and fanfare on the forums. Anywyas....
Being a huge STOKES fan, it bothers me to disagree largely with this review. While a good record reminiscent of 80s tunes and naughties loudness, this simply isnt a STROKES album.
Which is not to say I did not enjoy it. Having listened to the album repeatedly since its stream on Monday, coming back to individual tracks and giving the album some space, it just isnt worth the 5 year wait. There is nothing NEW to offer with their current sound....nothing showing maturity, and a lot of the swagger and grime and catchiness that made people fall in love with Is This It and Room On Fire is nowhere present. Hell, even the unknown ground of FI isnt anywhere on this album. TBPH, I think its a 80s retro rock album that at times feels like something I could hear off a Yeah yeah yeahs cut, or Crystal Castles cut.
Maybe the new trend with bands is to alienate and go into electronic directions. I do enjoy these songs, and I greatly appreciate the REM, Boston, Steely Dan and Cars influences. Its a good sound. But knowing the musicians that make up the STROKES band, I am dissapointed with what we were given.Also, a big portion of this new direction of theirs can stem from the ack of a producer. Only LIFE IS SIMPLE IN THE MOONLIGHT had a producer, and the rolled off jazzy tone and atmospheric setting feels very much like the Strokes of a few years ago. Being my favourite cut off the track, here is hoping to a storng producer-led avenue on the next album.
TL;DR - Anyone thinking/hoping the album would sound like the lead single might be dissapoint panda. 5/10
^ Kerokero is right. The new single is, IMO, the best song on the album. I'm glad they're back, and the album is refreshing, but it doesn't stick as much as their older albums.
I think the impossibly high expectations have created a hostile environment amongst some fans. Waiting five years shouldn't take away from such a colorful (musically as well as visually) album. We're not being given 10 tracks to satiate us through another hiatus, but we are seeing a band that might be trying to re-decide what it wants to be.
This album is what I imagine they were trying to do with First Impressions Of Earth. The one thing I didn't like about FIOE was that it was strangely awkward at parts (thus disrupting the flow of the album). However, I feel like Angles isn't as half-assed at FIOE, and I actually really like the odd catchiness of songs like Machu Picchu and Gratisfaction. The best part of The Strokes is how whimsically catchy they've always been, and I feel like this album did that old Strokes catchiness much justice. Sure, it might not sound like old Strokes, but its just as catchy, and different while being refreshing and not stale like FIOE. Idk, I just feel like FIOE was meant to sound ambitious in comparison to the first two records, but it just lacked that Strokes catchiness and charm. Angles, I believe, does well what FIOE couldn't.
I'm honestly surprised that the fans aren't as tired of hearing the old songs as the Strokes are (more than likely) tired of playing them. The fans are split, and the sad part is that if they had just made a re-hashed old Strokes album, there would be just as much hate.
To the fans who love the old Strokes, I'm with you on that, but we've had our fun with those timeless tunes and they will always be there for us. However others, also like myself, wanted to see The Strokes try something new and go full force with it. They knew what they wanted and they delivered it.
If you don't like the album, at least respect the band for having the balls to make an album that they probably knew some wouldn't want, and an album that nobody was expecting. I'm just glad to be one of the fans that really enjoys this release, and isn't phased by its oddities.
Oh, and...
Is This It = Room On Fire = Angles > First Impressions Of Earth
It's a great album. Sure, old Strokes are awesome but they can't make the same music they were making so many years ago. FIOE took a few listens for me to get into but it might just be my favourite album and i'm sure this one will be up there too.
I like the album. It's not as great as the hype built up to be (but whatever is?) but it wasn't bad. I just wish it didn't sound so robotic. Like, everything on the album has this really... tinny feel to it. Maybe it's just me that noticed that. Otherwise I'm pretty satisfied with it.
I'm not a massive Strokes fan but I've come to understand they're a band that you can rely on to make some good songs, even if they're not going to change the world. Sadly, with this album I cannot apply this theory. The album is not up to the standard we've come to expect of them and once again there have been not signs of evolution in the band. All the songs could be placed on other albums and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The first single just doesn't sound right either. The guitar work on it is good in places but the singing really isn't right for the song. I want to be able to say "another solid effort from the Strokes" but it isn't. It's clear the tensions between band members is taking its toll on the music. The album almost sounds incomplete.
Yeah i think this is their weakest album. Too Synthy, Too into the 80s schtick. seems more like a continuation of julians solo stuff but worse.
First impressions is better then this album at least it had some intense tracks like heart in a cage and juicebox. I may like it after more listens but this isn't doing it for me like their first album and their harder stuff off the last two albums. The single is the best song on here. Tracks like your so right are just boring.
I'm a bit Disappointed in this album but i still have the old stuff to listen to so i will forever be a fan.
I've listened to this album a few times so far, and it's gotten better every time. Some of the tracks are a little 80's and cheesy-sounding, but there are a lot of brilliant guitar lines. All and all not a bad album. I don't think it's nearly as good as Is This It or Room On Fire, but it's much better than Julian's solo work. Under Cover of Darkness is a really catchy tune, and by far my favourite on the album. Not sure if it was worth the 5 year wait, but it's new music from a great band, so I'm not complaining!!!
Just finished my first listen, was hoping for something with a little more edge and aggression in it. As already said too much 80's sounding for my liking. Still looking forward to further releases though.
I really can't understand why it's attracting such negative feedback. I fell in love with this album on my first playthrough. Very quirky with interesting hooks.
I was pretty surprised when this album dropped; I figured The Strokes would be on indefinite hiatus, left in the 2000s.
I haven't listened to the entire album yet, but "Under The Cover of Darkness" didn't do much for me, and even watching their performance on SNL left me sort of numb. Whatever edginess or presence they had just a couple of years ago seems to have dissipated. I listened to Is This It and Room On Fire tons when I was younger, wasn't big on First Impressions (though it wasn't as bad as some make out), so I'll still check this out.
too much hype around this album, so i think despite it being a decent album the overrating of it made it disappointing to some...
Hmmm, suppose I can understand that. Personally I wasn't too aware of this album's release or even following it, so I was just pleasently surprised to see it in-store.
I haven't listened to album yet but I just have to say something about the same old complaints that fans have when a new album comes out.
"Its not them", stfu, it is them. They made it. Just because you want to hear the same things they did in their previous albums doesn't make them any less "them" than they are. Furthermore its a good thing when a band does something different, it means, musically, they are growing. This is why I loved First Impressions, songs "Vision of Division" really drive away from what they're doing and show how talented of composers they are. Room On Fire kinda feels like Is This It II but still Room On Fire manages to be my favorite Strokes album. Another example is Tool's Lateralis album, a true departure from what they did before and to this day is my favorite Tool album, though I was disappointed slightly by 10,000 Days as it sounded like Lateralis, AEnima, and Undertow mashed into one album but I digress.
"Oh we have waited so long and this is all we get".
Ok, its not like a band is out for however many years just conjuring up new music letting it marinate and ripen. Bands may have personal issues, scheduling conflictions ect. that get in the way of getting together and making new music.
"I expected more....I expected this and that".
Don't expect anything, at all. You'd be surprised how you can appreciate many more things in life (not just new albums) with a clean slate of mind.
Like I said I haven't heard the album but Im sure at minimum it will be a hell of a lot better than a lot of this Kings of Leon or Rise Against crap thats horrendously plaguing our radio stations.
kerokero wrote:
Only LIFE IS SIMPLE IN THE MOONLIGHT had a producer
Actually so did Under Cover of Darkness, Gratisfaction, & Two Kinds of Happiness.
Really? Wow, must've missed that. Is it posted on the physical release of the album? I read in an interview that the only thing that survived that was outside the band was the closing track. My mistake. =]
@SpicyWeinerPHD - It's not that we as fans can't deal with a waiting period between albums. But honestly, who should have to wait 5 years between albums and get 'this'? Once again, I dont think it's a bad album at all, it just isn't a very good album either.
One can go for change. Everyone evolves. But when a project like this comes out sounding like a bad mash-up of solo projects and psuedo-covers of bands decades old, it leaves people wanting more. =/
I haven't listened to album yet but I just have to say something about the same old complaints that fans have when a new album comes out.
"Its not them", stfu, it is them. They made it. Just because you want to hear the same things they did in their previous albums doesn't make them any less "them" than they are. Furthermore its a good thing when a band does something different, it means, musically, they are growing. This is why I loved First Impressions, songs "Vision of Division" really drive away from what they're doing and show how talented of composers they are. Room On Fire kinda feels like Is This It II but still Room On Fire manages to be my favorite Strokes album. Another example is Tool's Lateralis album, a true departure from what they did before and to this day is my favorite Tool album, though I was disappointed slightly by 10,000 Days as it sounded like Lateralis, AEnima, and Undertow mashed into one album but I digress.
"Oh we have waited so long and this is all we get".
Ok, its not like a band is out for however many years just conjuring up new music letting it marinate and ripen. Bands may have personal issues, scheduling conflictions ect. that get in the way of getting together and making new music.
"I expected more....I expected this and that".
Don't expect anything, at all. You'd be surprised how you can appreciate many more things in life (not just new albums) with a clean slate of mind.
Like I said I haven't heard the album but Im sure at minimum it will be a hell of a lot better than a lot of this Kings of Leon or Rise Against crap thats horrendously plaguing our radio stations.
I agree with this.
For the record I like the album. But reading the reviews (in newspapers and so on) I can't help but laugh. They tend to go something like this:
"9/11 happened and the world was about to implode and we were all going to die. Then Is This It was released and the course of the existence of the universe changed. Everything since has been crap and the band don't like each other. ***Proceed to go through each track being as unfairly critical as you can eg Machu Pichu is a pathetic attempt at white boys doing reggae*** add some comments about the music that clearly come from a non-musician who doesn't know anything and close by saying again that it's not as good as Is This It."
Frankly I don't get it. I think The Strokes have improved with each album. It's just a shame that their first was so good. It's really been a curse for them. People need to get over themselves, God knows The Strokes did, 8 years ago.
THE STROKES ARE RUBBISH.....nah just kidding.....i'm not a fan of all indy, but the strokes have enough of a rock influence to keep me interested. This album shows that they aren't afraid to deviate from a formula, and while not all fans of bands like evolution as it means an end to the sound from a favourite album that they previously released, in this evolution is fine with me as their sound hasn't taken a too watered down mainstream sheen that some bands take on over time
Duv wrote:
SpiceyWeinerPHD wrote:
I haven't listened to album yet but I just have to say something about the same old complaints that fans have when a new album comes out.
"Its not them", stfu, it is them. They made it. Just because you want to hear the same things they did in their previous albums doesn't make them any less "them" than they are. Furthermore its a good thing when a band does something different, it means, musically, they are growing. This is why I loved First Impressions, songs "Vision of Division" really drive away from what they're doing and show how talented of composers they are. Room On Fire kinda feels like Is This It II but still Room On Fire manages to be my favorite Strokes album. Another example is Tool's Lateralis album, a true departure from what they did before and to this day is my favorite Tool album, though I was disappointed slightly by 10,000 Days as it sounded like Lateralis, AEnima, and Undertow mashed into one album but I digress.
"Oh we have waited so long and this is all we get".
Ok, its not like a band is out for however many years just conjuring up new music letting it marinate and ripen. Bands may have personal issues, scheduling conflictions ect. that get in the way of getting together and making new music.
"I expected more....I expected this and that".
Don't expect anything, at all. You'd be surprised how you can appreciate many more things in life (not just new albums) with a clean slate of mind.
Like I said I haven't heard the album but Im sure at minimum it will be a hell of a lot better than a lot of this Kings of Leon or Rise Against crap thats horrendously plaguing our radio stations.
I agree with this.
For the record I like the album. But reading the reviews (in newspapers and so on) I can't help but laugh. They tend to go something like this:
"9/11 happened and the world was about to implode and we were all going to die. Then Is This It was released and the course of the existence of the universe changed. Everything since has been crap and the band don't like each other. ***Proceed to go through each track being as unfairly critical as you can eg Machu Pichu is a pathetic attempt at white boys doing reggae*** add some comments about the music that clearly come from a non-musician who doesn't know anything and close by saying again that it's not as good as Is This It."
Frankly I don't get it. I think The Strokes have improved with each album. It's just a shame that their first was so good. It's really been a curse for them. People need to get over themselves, God knows The Strokes did, 8 years ago.
have to agree with the commment about kings of leon but although musically and originality wise this album beats rise against, you can't just write their stuff off because its lyrical content is just as well though out and is slightly more relevant currently than that of angles.
Thanks for the best review I have read of this album so far. I totally agree that first impressions of this album are worthless. When I heard "Under Cover of Darkness," I was very excited but once I heard "You're So Right" I was having second thoughts about it. After my first play of the full album, I was very disappointed. Until this album, I have liked every song The Strokes ever put out. Despite that, I decided to give it a 2nd listen (I pre-ordered the vinyl so I figured I might as well get my money's worth). I started noticing little things about each song that I found interesting. Also, someone posted several videos on Youtube of a recent show they played in Vegas. Watching the live performances of the new songs (which are much better than the album versions in my opinion) gave me an idea about what they were really going for and how much it does still have somewhat of a classic Strokes sound. Here's one video for example
. So far I still like every Strokes, Julian, and Albert album better but it is definitely growing on me. My favorite song is still "Under Cover of Darkness" because it, more-so than any other track, has that 50s swing that made me love The Strokes in the first place. My 2nd favorite song is "Taken For a Fool." The verses sorta remind me of Michael Jackson or something a bit but the chorus is classic Strokes. I have to say my least favorite song on the album is "Two Kinds of Happiness." The melody isn't catchy and is too simple sounding. Also, just on a side note, I've seem some comments where people say "Gratisfaction" is a ripoff of Billy Joel's "Only the Good Die Young." I do hear some similarity but not nearly enough to call it a rip off. Interesting comparison nonetheless. I hear The Strokes are already working on their 5th album. I look forward to it. Haven't given up on them yet.
It's a great album. Sure, old Strokes are awesome but they can't make the same music they were making so many years ago. FIOE took a few listens for me to get into but it might just be my favourite album and i'm sure this one will be up there too.
Thank you! I'm sick of people talking about FIOE like it was a disaster that Angles has repared. FIOE was an amazingly good album and really fun to play on guitar.
These eclectic sounds on this album are so calmly approached as if Casablancas intended to take so long to to achieve such a Great album. Although the lyrics to each song arent to shabby The Strokes Choose to sing what they choose to sing. This is a album worth listening to over and over.
I'm really loving "Gratisfaction" and "Taken for a Fool." The others are starting to grow on me too, but they took much longer. I'm sure the people looking for something like "Is This It" are really disappointed, but those of us who kept an open mind and realized that Julian would probably bring an influence from his solo project should be delightfully surprised. Like the review says, give the album a few listens before you make a judgment.
I finally listened to the whole album and I gotta say I like it for the most part. The first three songs are awesome to the max. "You're So Right" reminded me of a song from Julian's solo album, almost like this a different direction he wanted to go with. At first though I didn't like it, that song left me in a weird place like someone just pinched my ass and I look and I can't tell if thats a handsome women or a pretty man. "Taken For a Fool" is AMAZING I absolutely love this song. I like how its very dancy and groovy. "Call Me Back" is another weird one. If you can appreciate the concept of tonal contrast you'll like this song. "Gratisfaction" is another nice one. It sounds a lot like The Beatles, I can totally hear Paul McCartney singing this song, the chorus is a dead give away of its Beatleness. "Metabolism" sounds like it kinda belongs in First Impressions of Earth. Catchy in a odd way but has a good driving verse. "Life is Simple In The Moonlight" is still growing on me but I don't hate it. I heard someone describe this song as jazzy and they couldn't be more on crack, there is next to no jazz influence in this song.
Over all its different, a little 80s at times but the good kind of 80s.As one of the members of The Strokes described the album was called Angles because its written by 5 people. So picture if you can a pentagon, each corner has a different painting and all the corners are inching their way to the middle. You are in the middle and you can visit these depictions at anytime you want.
Gotta say, love this album. The Strokes have yet to disappoint me with any of their albums. The experimental thing they had going on with this album was truly great.
I believe that the sound and impressions on this album is exactly what the strokes were going for. As a strokes fan, i let my heart enjoy the album and i dont want to critisize the one band that got me laid for the first time.
This is easily the most exciting new release for me personally. I think I'm one of the few fans of The Strokes on UG.
Is it posted on the physical release of the album? I read in an interview that the only thing that survived that was outside the band was the closing track. My mistake. =]
Being a huge STOKES fan, it bothers me to disagree largely with this review. While a good record reminiscent of 80s tunes and naughties loudness, this simply isnt a STROKES album.
Which is not to say I did not enjoy it. Having listened to the album repeatedly since its stream on Monday, coming back to individual tracks and giving the album some space, it just isnt worth the 5 year wait. There is nothing NEW to offer with their current sound....nothing showing maturity, and a lot of the swagger and grime and catchiness that made people fall in love with Is This It and Room On Fire is nowhere present. Hell, even the unknown ground of FI isnt anywhere on this album. TBPH, I think its a 80s retro rock album that at times feels like something I could hear off a Yeah yeah yeahs cut, or Crystal Castles cut.
Maybe the new trend with bands is to alienate and go into electronic directions. I do enjoy these songs, and I greatly appreciate the REM, Boston, Steely Dan and Cars influences. Its a good sound. But knowing the musicians that make up the STROKES band, I am dissapointed with what we were given.Also, a big portion of this new direction of theirs can stem from the ack of a producer. Only LIFE IS SIMPLE IN THE MOONLIGHT had a producer, and the rolled off jazzy tone and atmospheric setting feels very much like the Strokes of a few years ago. Being my favourite cut off the track, here is hoping to a storng producer-led avenue on the next album.
TL;DR - Anyone thinking/hoping the album would sound like the lead single might be dissapoint panda. 5/10