It’s been three years since The Strokes dropped their full-length album. I took this intermezzo between releases to forget that the album turned out to be more pop than rock. It’s been a long time and fans have been patiently waiting for them to release fresh material. On the other hand, I suppose the fans were disappointed when they realized that they only got three songs plus one remix.
Those who are looking for the revolutionary alternative rock in The Strokes are delusional, as they have been putting out songs that are closer to synth pop-rock than they are to pure guitar rock, the genre that made them famous. From time to time, they deliver a smash hit, and that is why it’s so hard to let them go.
The title of the album (Future Present Past) is a bit prophetic. It also shows us where are The Strokes when it comes to equanimity\hysteria. Each song represents one part of their career, so Drag Queen represents the future, Oblivius is the present and Threat of Joy is the past. When we put things in this perspective, it becomes more transparent that the past is much brighter and better than the future, at least when it comes to this band.
Drag Queen brings us The Strokes in a confusing, miscellaneous form. It lacks their characteristic sound, with mishap being disguised by noise. Albert’s guitar is worth the mention, while the rest sounds like a Julian Casablancas plus The Voidz session – boring.
Oblivious has a catchy chorus so I might give it a shot this summer. It radiates good energy.
Threat Of Joy has nothing to do with the past. It is another obscure songs colored with synth sound of the 80s. Julian dominates in the chorus, while the rest of the song is non-inspiring.
To conclude - meh. I mean, they are certainly going to be able to live off their old fame, but I hope they are going to visit a wizard soon and buy some magic dust to sprinkle them on their guitars.
