The Strokes - First Impressions Of Earth
'First Impressions Of Earth' definitely proves that The Strokes are stronger than ever.
Back in 2001, The Strokes were cool. Not just popular, influential - in fashion terms at least - and part of a briefly percieved movement which made it OK to like indie again, but they were unfathomably and effortlessly cool. Move forward to 2005, and not only did The White Stripes easily usurp them in terms of popularity, but also became credible in their own right, away from anything else that year brought to the UK music scene. What's more it's not all about America any longer; 2005 proved that us Brits were just as capable, and even Canada exported more than their North American neighbours. So, not only do these particular five New Yorkers have to assert their position after the lacklustre second album 'Room On Fire', but they're carrying those Stars and Stripes in to 2006.
Most importantly, 'First Impressions Of Earth' doesn't disappoint. Superficially it's still The Strokes, it's still cool, and Julian Casablancas still sings - on the whole - like he really doesn't care. Yet, in the nearly three years since 'Room On Fire', the band's sound has matured: they can no longer be accused of not being capable musicians, and they're exploring a whole new darker side. After all, Gotham City's supposed to be New York at night, and this seems to be exactly where the quintet are coming from.
The album's main theme is definitely darker than anything that's come before; 'Is This It' may have verged on the discontent, but 'First Impressions...' really takes this several steps further. 'On The Other Side' is perfectly indicative of social disillusionment ("I hate myself for hating them/so drink some more"), as is 'Ask Me Anything' ("I've got nothing to give/i've got no reason to live"). Musically, 'Electricityscape' veers towards the apocalyptic without becoming overblown or cheesy, and 'Vision Of Division' utilises eerie sounds in order to convey similar feelings. It also features an audibly angry Casablancas; something which doesn't happen often.
There are lighter moments too, single 'Juicebox' is upbeat, sleazy and yet not explicit, making great use of double entendre. Obvious single candidate 'You Only Live Once', possibly the album's most immediate highlight is brisk, and perhaps the most 'classic Strokes' moment on the album, if not for the cleaner vocals. 'Razor Blade' has taken more than a little from Barry Manilow's 'Mandy', and closing track 'Red Light' even has a guitar line more familiar to fans of Belle & Sebastian than New York hipsters.
Yet, it's the progression of the band's skills musically which shines through on 'First Impressions...'. 'Fear Of Sleep' makes clever use of scales, and a crescendo which renders it comparable to Yeah Yeah Yeahs 'Maps', whilst '15 Minutes' starts in 3/4 time, and plays with music hall sounds, contrasting them with Casablancas' angry vocals.
'First Impressions Of Earth' definitely proves that The Strokes are stronger than ever, but with fourteen tracks, and a playing time of almost an hour, what's only left to wonder is whether they'll keep the audience's attention for long enough to make their point.
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