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THE REVIEW
The rise (with the inevitable fall into oblivion, thanks also to the wild lifestyle of former singer Pete Doherty) of the Libertines, the only Anglo-Saxon response equally "cool" to the overpowering New York quintet, has ended, and it's time for the Strokes to release their third creation: "First Impressions Of Earth."
The opening track "You Only Live Once" is the best calling card they could rely on; Julian Casablancas's whining voice perfectly settles on a melody that's bland just enough. The almost punk bassline and razor-sharp guitars of the second track "Juicebox" for a moment make me think of a real rock band, but the occasionally strangled and generally mediocre voice of Casablancas soon quells my unjustified fears. In "Heart In A Cage," the Strokes seem almost to parody Iggy Pop, and despite such a thought troubling me greatly, I can hardly shake off this unpleasant feeling.
The album continues with a fluctuating rhythm, allowing itself some delightful fourth-hand melodies ("Razorblade," "Electricityscape") and some other improbable rock shifts (the epileptic "Vision Of Division" and the screeched "Fear Of Sleep") which few, even among Strokes fans, felt the need for.
The production of "First Impressions Of Earth" was entrusted to David Khane (Sugar Ray, Staind) who, according to Casablancas himself, if he finds in a track "a strange and interesting part but not popular, then he tries to turn everything into something more accessible by erasing the unique things." The impression one gets from listening to this work is quite different; the fourteen tracks of "First Impressions Of Earth" do not seem at all like a faded or watered-down version of the Strokes but rather the natural evolution of a path that's been characterized, since the 2001 debut "Is This It," by strict mannerism. It would be appropriate to take remedial actions while there's still time, in order not to find themselves in the same spot 20 years from now; the repertoire available to the Strokes is not valid enough to be ransacked with impunity for too long.
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Summary by Bot
The review of The Strokes' 'First Impressions Of Earth' highlights a mix of strong and weak moments across its fourteen tracks. While some songs like 'You Only Live Once' and 'Juicebox' show promise, Julian Casablancas' vocal delivery and uneven melodies detract from the album's appeal. The production by David Kahne is noted for making the music more accessible but possibly erasing unique elements. Overall, the album is seen as a natural yet problematic evolution for the band.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
The Strokes
The Strokes are an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1998, widely associated with the early-2000s garage rock/post-punk revival and breakthrough success with their debut album âIs This Itâ.26 Reviews
Other reviews
By Alberto Giordano
"You Only Live Once" is truly a beautiful song, fully in the Strokes' style.
The 4 is for the passion I have for this band whose brazenness is exhibited in such a way that it canât be considered anything but elegant.
By JULIANHAMPSHIRE
After the first listens, quite disappointed.
Julianâs voice, which had impressed me so much, is at times incredibly dull and highlights its limits.
By GATTINATOR
The bandâs rhythm section has improved greatly, although there are few structural innovations.
This suggests that The Strokes have quite significant creative limitations.
By theJOKE
The albumâs production differs significantly from their truly Indie first CD, from the rawness of a low-budget production to the sparse yet effective style.
What should have been the album of maturity still proves too immature.
By whereismymind
'First Impressions Of Earth' is Matrix 2 of The Strokes' discography.
The album is harmless, useless, actually just bad, but really bad.
