The Strokes new album reviewed

The Strokes; First Impressions of Earth
Things get started well enough with “You Only Live Once,” a track strong enough to have been a B-side from the Strokes’ first album, but it’s downhill from there. Vocalist Julian Casablancas can sound like a post-Stooges Iggy Pop, and, truth be told, he’s been more compelling than anything the grand Stooge has done in recent decades. But here the derivative streak continues without even equaling its various sources. “Killing Lies,” to take one example, sounds like a U2 cover band trying out its first originals. The songs have lengthened and lost their infectious hooks, perhaps in an attempt at maturity. Unfortunately, First Impressions is at its best when covering old terrain, on tracks like “Razorblade” and the aforementioned opener. The others aren’t awful but quickly become background music.

As printed in The Sacramento News and Review. These are tricky to write. 150 words aint much and it goes quick. Plus I don't actaully listen to the album. I hang out at the CD store with a notepad and write down things that other people say, hopefully about the album I'm reviewing, but if I'm short on time I'm not too picky. Hope you enjoyed this little peak into the world of a hot shot music critic. Read more of my News and Review articles here.