Album Review: The Strokes - Comedown Machine

The Strokes are one of two remaining heirs to the definite article rock revival (RIP The Vines and The White Stripes). The Hives share this crown and (interestingly) boast five band members and a fifth longplayer, just like The Strokes – numerology alert. The future looked uncertain for The Strokes after it was widely reported that Julian Casablancas recorded his vocal parts for fourth album Angles separately from the band (the Under Cover Of Darkness video even looked as if it was filmed with the frontman turning up on a different location than his bandmates).

Have you heard the first taste from Comedown Machine: One Way Trigger? Just: “WOAH!” The jaunty keys melodies sound like Pac-Man maccing out with Ms Pac-Man's hot little sister and Casablancas sings as if in the middle of an astral-travelling orgasm. His voice is an instrument coddled in the most exquisite honey – oh-so pure and without an inkling of strain. You can't always understand what he's on about through the ducking/weaving guitars, but you'll still be aroused. Do the remaining ten tracks on Comedown Machine reach equally exultant highs? 50/50 storms into your headphones with distorted vocals and a cracking pace; Partners In Crime comes close second to …Trigger with its jarring/discordant riffs, sleighbells and 'wannabe in Entourage' lyrics – The Strokes kicking back and having a laugh (literally when Slow Animals fades out). Closer Call It Fate, Call It Karma is a dreamy little number that could soundtrack a Grace Kelly-type beauty sleepwalking on The Love Boat. 

This quintet's insouciance and New York City suavity prevails. Conjure a visual, which includes their stylin' wardrobes, while tuning into this sonic superiority and you'll realise it doesn't take Diff'rent Strokes to move the world. Just THE Strokes.