THE STROKES Vinilo y CD

Review: We all know that The Strokes' initial three album run of Is This Is It, Room On Fire and First Impressions Of Earth is the high watermark for their entire back catalogue. But that isn't to detract from their more latter day output, with 2011's Angles amassing a sincere cult following in the years since. Boasting one of their biggest singles to date, 'Under Cover Of Darkness', while showcasing the member's desire to begin toying with the sonic expectations from a band so tightly bound to their garage rock revival roots; deep cuts such as the watery synth-laden opener 'Machu Picchu', would take full advantage of their foray into MIDI electronics, subtly revitalising their formula in a manner many have only just begun to learn to appreciate in earnest.

Review: The Strokes's Comedown Machine is often said by fans to be one of the most consistent albums of the much loved band's career. It showed off once again their immaculate knack for irresistible hooks and catchy grooves, all of which had been present over four previous albums but perfected on another level here. Alongside the group's signature sounds are thought-provoking, strange and sexy themes. It wasn't promoted hard but the album still hit the Top 10 of the UK charts and the same over in the US. This limited edition reissue arrives on a lovely limited yellow and red marbled slab of wax.

Review: It's hard to believe The Strokes' debut album is 20 years old in 2023. Of course, it sounds very much like the band did at that time, with reviews upon release even celebrating the fact that they'd opted not to mess about with a musical formula that won legions of fans on their debut, Is This It. High speed, turbulent, angsty rock 'n' roll music that isn't just youthful, it's completely disinterested in growing up. Of course, this might be taken to mean a lack of new ideas, but that's precisely where the genius really shines through. Room On Fire is less a band regurgitating and getting 'found out', and more proof of a singular vision of what a guitar band should actually sound like. Really very loud, not at all comprising, and while comparable to many, entirely The Strokes.

Review: We have been quietly wondering when the dance music backlash will begin and popular trends will turn back to guitar music, and maybe a reissue of this classic album from The Strokes will provide the catalyst. It was one of three early albums from the band that made for an unreal run of records and it still sounds mega all these years later. The critically acclaimed, gold-certified First Impressions Of Earth was first released back in 2005 and debuted right in the top spot of the UK album charts. It packs a punch with hit singles like hit singles 'Juicebox,' 'Heart in a Cage' and 'You Only Live Once' all proving plenty of singalong joys.

Review: Just when you thought all hope was lost along come The Strokes to fulfil the promises they made way, way back with their startling debut 'Is This It'. That was 17 years ago, and while the outfit have made plenty worthy of note in the years between then and now, we'd be surprised if we're the only ones thinking this latest is their best effort since that inaugural outing. Confident but also hungry, rather than bloated and lazy, there's plenty here that you won't be able to get away from in a hurry. 'Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus' might define the package best, delivering some powerful pop energy in an all-round homage to and critique of the 1980s, an era revisited again on 'Bad Decisions', which owes plenty to Billy Idol's Generation X classic, 'Dancing With Myself', with tracks like 'Why Are Sundays So Depressing' diverting to a synthdom route and 'Not The Same Anymore' throwing crooner styles into the mix. Exceptional stuff.

Review: Just when you thought all hope was lost along come The Strokes to fulfil the promises they made way, way back with their startling debut 'Is This It'. That was 17 years ago, and while the outfit have made plenty worthy of note in the years between then and now, we'd be surprised if we're the only ones thinking this latest is their best effort since that inaugural outing. Confident but also hungry, rather than bloated and lazy, there's plenty here that you won't be able to get away from in a hurry. 'Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus' might define the package best, delivering some powerful pop energy in an all-round homage to and critique of the 1980s, an era revisited again on 'Bad Decisions', which owes plenty to Billy Idol's Generation X classic, 'Dancing With Myself', with tracks like 'Why Are Sundays So Depressing' diverting to a synthdom route and 'Not The Same Anymore' throwing crooner styles into the mix. Exceptional stuff.