The Strokes Embrace a New Era with 'Reality Awaits'
The Strokes have officially launched their seventh studio album, titled Reality Awaits, marking a significant return to the music scene after a prolonged hiatus. This eagerly anticipated album sees the band once again collaborating with the legendary producer Rick Rubin, following their Grammy-winning project, The New Abnormal. Fans have been treated to a new creative direction that the band describes as a ‘no rules era,’ indicating a departure from their traditionally gritty rock sound towards a more experimental approach.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall the excitement I felt as a teenager when I first encountered The Strokes’ breakthrough hit, Last Nite. At the time, I was blissfully unaware of the musical influences that shaped their sound, including a notable connection to a Tom Petty track. This moment marked the beginning of a wave of admiration for The Strokes, who were heralded as the 'saviors of rock and roll' for their revival of garage rock. Reality Awaits represents a significant evolution from those formative days, yet the essence of their music remains intact despite the new directions explored within this album.
Exploring the Bold New Sound
One of the most striking and divisive aspects of Reality Awaits is the introduction of vocoder and autotune effects on lead vocalist Julian Casablancas' voice. This decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans, particularly with the two pre-released tracks, Falling Out of Love and Going Shopping, which lean towards a more mainstream sound characterized by T-Pain-esque production. Although this stylistic choice is not entirely new for Casablancas—having previously experimented with similar techniques in his side project, The Voidz—this marks the first time he has incorporated such elements into a Strokes album. The impact of these effects is noticeable throughout the album, prompting listeners to question their necessity, while others may view it as a bold creative leap.
The opening track, Psycho Shit, greets the audience with minimalist guitar arpeggios, and Casablancas’ signature low baritone quickly reveals the digital influences at play. Over multiple listens, my perspective on the album's vocal treatments has fluctuated. While the autotune is evidently not a crutch for lack of vocal ability, the laid-back charm of Casablancas remains prominent, albeit altered. For some, this evolution may feel unwarranted, while others may celebrate it as a daring artistic choice. Thankfully, fans seeking a more traditional Strokes experience will find solace in tracks like Dine N' Dash, which fits seamlessly within the soundscape of The New Abnormal. Additionally, Liar’s Remorse cleverly critiques AI in a melodically rich, drumless composition.
Another noteworthy facet of this album is the involvement of Rick Rubin as the producer. Known for his often hands-off approach, Rubin's influence is showcased in a short film titled In Transit: Part II, which offers an intimate glimpse into the recording sessions held in Costa Rica. Despite their tumultuous past marked by personal conflicts, the band appears to have found a harmonious collaborative spirit in the studio. Guitarists Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi continue to trade riffs with remarkable chemistry, even with Valensi’s temporary absence from the current tour. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Moretti and Nikolai Fraiture solidify their status as one of the coolest rhythm sections in modern music.
For those who, like me, felt apprehensive after witnessing their performances of Falling Out of Love on The Late Show or the quirky video for Going Shopping, Reality Awaits encompasses a wealth of material that caters to both newcomers and dedicated fans alike. Even within the more experimental tracks, there are moments of clever songwriting that shine through. Ultimately, the album charts a continuous progression for a band that has been active for nearly three decades. Remarkably, The Strokes have managed to evolve without becoming caricatures of themselves, maintaining their integrity while pushing creative boundaries. As we listen to the new sonic landscape of Casablancas’ voice, which has certainly evolved since the gritty days of Is This It, it will be intriguing to witness how this ‘no rules era’ unfolds in the future.
As reported by 13thfloor.co.nz.
