Album Review: The Strokes - The New Abnormal

Arguably only The Strokes could release an album that was so quintessentially noughties indie rock and make it feel relevant to now. The New Abnormal is a throwback to many elements the New York outfit have dabbled with in the past; episodes of their reckless youth captured in sound. But it’s their musicianship and songwriting finesse in this album that makes old dudes reminiscing days gone by seem super cool.

The clear production exposes every crafty little nuance as well as '80s pop undertones. The decorative textures might be overwhelming to some, but the interest it creates will most certainly have you hitting repeat, searching to unpack more.

Don’t let the title fool, but The Strokes have delivered Bad Decisions to be an anthem of jollity and riff-rollicking mayhem, reaffirming the long-known fact that The Strokes are indeed the masters of an epic hook. Including in-studio discussion as the fade out to tracks like opener The Adults Are Talking adds another layer personability.

In The New Abnormal, The Strokes want you to experience the band and their individual natures, related to a huge degree the various experiences they’ve incurred across their 22-year tenure, and have not sacrificed anything to the sonic mid-life crisis that other bands of their vintage may do. This is The Strokes in their prime. Everything about this release will draw from you a hearty, healthy sigh of satisfaction.