The Strokes | “Angles” | Album Review

Story by Mitch McCann 

| Published Apr 5, 2011

There is a long-standing tradition of bandmates and adoring fans putting up with frustratingly pompous lead singers because the product they produce outweighs their arrogance. Unfortunately for the acclaimed post-punk rockers The Strokes, it is becoming increasingly clear that the band’s latest release “Angles” may not be enough to justify the near half-decade wait the band imposed upon fans.

Strokes’ head-honcho Julian Casablancas’ controlling presence comes to fruition as a large gaping hole in what was once the fluid, unadulterated sound of The Strokes. From start to finish, “Angles,” an album that was virtually booed off stage at SXSW, frequently teases listeners to believe they may get progressive vision or vintage crispness. But in the end, almost the entire record comes across as wacked-out and washed-up “First Impressions of Earth” B-sides.

The album’s few saving graces, like first single “Under Cover Of Darkness” (which sounds more like Thin Lizzy than The Strokes), seems like a look back for the New York rockers, and unexpected gem “Two Kinds Of Happiness” should indeed be the glimpse forward. Aside from its shaky beginning, “Two Kinds” matures inside itself, showing off the pure chemistry that can exist within a dynamic group. Drummer Fabrizio Moretti hits an all-time high as his exceptional skills match those of guitarists Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi, and the group blends in exquisite fashion. Casablancas even comes along for the ride at times, foregoing his usual “too cool for school” mumble.

“Angles” is less of a culmination of their time apart, instead resembling what Casablancas’ solo effort (the unremarkable “Phrazes of the Young”) would’ve sounded like if Albert, Fabrizio and Nick had been allowed to put in their two cents. Everyone, particularly The Strokes themselves, needs to shake this one off, take a deep breath, and try again.