The Strokes
First Impressions Of Earth

THE REVIEW

Reviewing the highly anticipated new album by the Strokes is a daunting task for a debasing newbie like myself. I'll give it a try. I've always enjoyed listening to tracks months before their release on disc (and here we go with senior review expressions, maybe even too much...). And various Yaplog, Open Dir, Funky Souls, but especially the twin brothers Glass Danse and Red Light Glow often help with this.

First Impressions Of Earth is expected to hit the market in January 2006. Some may have already heard the first single "Juicebox". Personally, this track struck me for the harshness of its initial riff with an almost metal tone (I dare say), and I thought the Strokes would have gotten quite harsher in their new work. The beginning really promises well: "You Only Live Once" is truly a beautiful song, fully in the Strokes' style; the impression is that we're not in the pleasing vocal labyrinth cage of the Room On Fire songs. High, airy tones, spacious and elegant guitar riffs as usual. Truly a great way to start the album. Track 2 is the single "Juicebox", and I really like it, alternating the guitar shuffle of the verse with a chorus in which you jump in the air and finally feel free. Following is "Heart In Cage", an epic intro, endless solos, the farthest thing from the Strokes' style they themselves have ever composed. The result isn't the best, but even in this case, they do everything with impeccable style. "Razorblade" is my favorite track on the album. Structurally similar to Someday, it is more akin to the tracks of Room On Fire, engaging and festive. It has a splendid riff, get it even if this band isn't much to your liking. An ideal single. "On The Other Side" starts like a gang story, acidic guitars, pulsing bass, then transforms into a sort of cheerful ska. The structure is rather disconnected, but all in all, it isn't a bad track; the chorus sung with a sad voice makes up for everything. The sixth track is "Vision Of Division", a nice initial guitar riff, the drums hit hard; suggestive, almost cinematic, intense. At times, it seems like listening to System Of A Down. Nice piece for the chorus attack, exceptional choice. Then comes "Ask Me Anything", an organ full of basses for intro, intimate atmosphere, a little gem. "Electricityscape" has an oriental beginning, then directs towards the sounds of the previous album. The chorus is really catchy and cool. Track 9, "Killing Lies" hovers towards surf rock. Not very effective. With "Fear Of Sleep", you wake up, the rhythm is nice, as is "Evening Sun," the best of this second part of the album, a subtle and sweet song of pain (all in Strokes style, of course). "Ize Of The World" is also very beautiful; punk violence in the intro, which suddenly melts into a light and soothing verse. The penultimate song, "15 Minutes" is sweet and whispered, guitars small like music boxes. "Red Light" closes the album. Considering the beginning, I wish this album would never end. Drums are tremendously cool. Great track.

An album less strong than Room On Fire and Is This It. However, it's a symbol of a desire to renew (perhaps "re-touch" might be a better term) which, in my opinion, is necessary. The genre is now a pond where too many are trying to swim, and a particularization of the sound these days can only be welcome. In some episodes of this First Impressions Of Earth, however, they get lost at sea and seem to have somewhat confused ideas. The best tracks are those where they redo themselves with small variations. The ideal rating would be 3.5. The 4 is for the passion I have for this band whose brazenness is exhibited in such a way that it can't be considered anything but elegant. And they really do play very, very well.