Album Review: The Strokes - Comedown Machine
- Written by Emily Liddle
The Strokes emerged onto a dull alternative rock scene in 2001 that was near to diminishing entirely. The New York City band, in their ripped slim jeans and converse trainers began their career with the explosive, close to perfect debut album, Is This It? It brought a whole new flavour and finesse of musical style which the genre was begging for.
12 years and five albums later however, their musical successes have proven to be very much hit and miss. Audiences have been waiting for the next album to surpass this almighty benchmark they have set for themselves, waiting for the return of the refreshing rock sound of sentimentality and waiting for the unconventional creativity which ignited fans passions in the first place. This is not to say The Strokes haven’t created some truly spectacular tracks, ‘Reptilia’, ‘Juicebox’ and ‘Heart in a Cage’ to name a few. But it almost feels as if the effortless construction of their earlier work is missing. The awkward lull which the band found themselves in during the creation of their 4th studio album Angles provided immense pressure for the group. Their live shows went from almighty, emotional rock n roll performances to unvaried, lacklustre sets such as the one at the Leeds Festival Weekend in 2011. The spark had almost burnt out. Almost.
Comedown Machine has certainly reignited that spark. 'Tap Out’, the opening track, is slick, sharp, funky and brilliantly leads into 'All the Time', their latest single. On this track we can relive lead vocalist Julian Casablanca’s’ finer vocal performances with the brilliant 30 second guitar interplay from Nick Valensi, Albert Hammond Jr. and Nikolai Fraiture. We are instantly seduced back into the classical Strokes charm. Not one song from the album lets us down.
‘Welcome to Japan’ with its bizarre elements is beguiling; it wouldn’t be misplaced on a David Bowie album with its rhythmical undertones and brilliant percussion throughout from drummer Fabrizio Moretti. ‘50/50’ is like a heavier Franz Ferdinand track, going back to a classical punk rock style. However it does feel a bit misshaped, and you're left not sure whether to jump up and down dancing or tapping your foot. ‘80’s Comedown Machine’ is perfectly placed in the track list, with a style and pace reminiscent of Brand New. “You said the world's closed in but you crawled in/Back inside/So please run away/Run away’, it is very appreciative of Casablanca’s’ slow, subduing, "I’ve just had a cigarette" vocals. ‘Call It Fate Call It Karma’ closes the album. It’s weird but wonderful, and leaves you half anticipating a dance music breakdown upon first listen.
Throughout Comedown Machine we hear many musical influences and although it might take a listen or two, The Strokes have produced an extremely impressive album. They sound unified and cohesive, after years of critical attack they have come back fighting. Comedown Machine is a merge of the best elements from each of their prior albums. The Strokes are to be applauded for their show of defiance, proof that whatever stigma there may be surrounding their genre, they can continue to progress and remain creating music that is true to themselves.
Comedown Machine is out now and available on amazon