<p><span><span><em>- The New Abnormal</em> is the new album by seminal 2000’s rockers The Strokes. Recorded with legendary producer, <strong>Rick Rubin</strong>, the band took their time making the record, taking preliminary steps in the studio dating back to 2016. The result is the band’s finest work since their 2006 release, <em>First Impressions Of Earth</em>. Their sixth since their monumental debut, <em>Is This It</em>, the band’s career can be seen as two separate parts. The first being their original garage rock style where they released three albums in five years and the second being their more experimental, synth-rock style where they released three albums in nine years. <em>The New Abnormal</em> falls into the latter category. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Beginning with an electronic drumbeat, album opener <em>The Adults Are Talking </em>is a subdued track with restrained vocals, bass and guitar while elevating slightly into a head-nodding chorus hook. Second track <em>Selfless</em> is an unexpected follow-up, beginning with eerie electric guitar arpeggios before moving into a delicate chorus. The ubiquity of synthesisers and drum effects makes the album reticent of '80’s dance-pop. This is most salient on the synth driven <em>Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus</em>, which sounds like a hit from a long forgotten new-wave one hit wonder band. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Laden with electric guitar arpeggios, songs like<em> Selfless</em> and <em>Not The Same Anymore</em> are reminiscent of <strong>Radiohead</strong> while being distinct due to their pop melodies. While the album continues without many discernible tempo or timbre changes, drum-less track <em>At The Door</em>, is the standout track on the album with simple synths and a glockenspiel heavy chorus.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Interesting guitar sounds and effects widen the scope of guitarists, <strong>Nick Valensi </strong>and <strong>Albert Hammond Jr.</strong>. The tremolo and wah-wah effects on songs like <em>Why Are Sundays So Depressing </em>showcase their pivotal parts in the change in sound of the band. What is obvious from their sixth album, is that the band have matured artistically. This is evident even from the artwork, borrowed from the late, great, <strong>Basquiat</strong>. Despite this new height of maturity, <em>The New Abnormal</em> is The Strokes' catchiest and most homogeneous album to date. After a forgettable, mid-to-late-career slump, the band have remembered what it's all about and are back to their brilliant best. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>- Jon Cloumassis.</span></span></p>
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