Music > Album Reviews

The Strokes - The New Abnormal

01/05/20

The New Abnormal is the latest album from The Strokes, the first from the indie rock outfit in seven years. It’s a summery collection of songs, perfect for driving around with the roof down on your cute little vintage convertible, rather unfortunately released whilst we’re all stuck inside. However, if you’re about throw open your windows, grab a beer and soak up what little sunshine we’re blessed with, then this album will make the perfect backdrop to your lazy Sunday afternoon. The first track, ‘The Adults Are Talking’ was debuted at a show in May 2019, with the full album coming out nearly a whole year later. 

Arguably poppier than their previous stuff, it proves an upbeat start, with frontman Julian Casablancas’ unique vocals stretching out over an electronic keyboard melody. This is followed by the slightly more soulful ‘Selfless’, and ‘Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus’, which was so obviously inspired by eighties pop it’s almost the wrong side of cool (though not quite, props to them). ‘Why Are Sundays So Depressing’ is a bit more guitar based. It’s invitingly relaxing and laid back, and leads nicely onto the introspective ‘Not The Same Any More’. 

For me personally, I miss The Strokes heavier side in this album, and if I’m being completely honest I’d steer clear of the falsetto (especially where it’s starting to lead the songs in a direction that’s looking scarily like The Bee Gees). I’d say it’s definitely not their best, but it’s not a bad effort at all, and while writing this review has provided the backdrop for many sun-soaked lagers in the garden. Cheers to that, boys. 

7/10