Login for Favorites
EDIT INFOThe Strokes - First Impressions of Earth
Tweet
Album Details
- Artist: The Strokes
- Album: First Impressions of Earth
- Label: Rough Trade
- Year of Release: 2006
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: dadair on 2006-01-10
RecommendThe top 5 single; ‘Juicebox’ features early and is indicative of the new bounce and defiance that The Strokes have garnered for this third album. ‘Heart In A Cage’ stands out first, for its more colourful (how many times have you seen that adjective used for The Strokes?) and laid back style. Julian Casablancas’ almost effortless vocals are punctuated by looping guitars, to produce a reflective and pleading mood.
The laid back, bluesy feel continues into ‘Razor Blade’ that contains lyrics which could have come straight out of a Leonard Cohen scribble book. This New York gang have definitely moved away from the sharp and snappy numbers that were plastered on debut album; ‘Is This It’. They have honed in on drawing the listener into their mindset by relying upon instrumental variety that helps to cushion the pleading vocals, delivering more of a cohesive message than in past offerings.
The New Yorkers daringly dabble in the electro world this time around , passing almost into The Bravery territory with the floating ‘Electricityscape’, but they use just enough hounding 70s guitars to retain their integrity and no doubt; the respect of their hardcore fan-base. Husky soulfulness that has a smidgeon of Shane MacGowan to it becomes the latest notch to Casablancas’ vocal belt, by way of the bouncy ’15 Minutes’ and is propelled by a buoyant and rising accompaniment. The longer tracks help you to get properly into the mood of each song, something that new producer David Kahne, who has worked with Paul McCartney, will probably have influenced. This has helped The Stroke to pull off their sea change effectively, but also ensuring that they have not lost touch with their roots either.
User Reviews and Comments
Log In or Register to Rate Albums
User Rating:
Write your own review
Tell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Tell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Log In or Register to Rate AlbumsReview:
on 2007-05-31 sublogic Said:
So, how do I put this intelligently? When I heard the first few seconds of First Impressions Of Earth,…. I almost crapped my pants. Why? Well, because the beginning of “You Only Live Once” sounded oddly similar to the intro to “In Too Deep” by Sum 41. I do like both of these bands, I just don’t want them existing near each-other. If I want one sound I go here, when I want another, I’ll go there. That’s how I need things to be. To my delight, my fears melted away and the signature Strokes sound emerged. The real surprise was the remainder of the album. Although I wouldn’t mistake them for anyone else, The Strokes seemed to make a decision to draw from past bands like Blue Oyster Cult and newer groups like Queens Of The Stone Age. Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr.’s guitar work on this album is RIDICULOUS and shines on tracks like “Heart In A Cage“. Then Julian’s vocals just seem to top it off. He may be a reincarnated crooner from the early 50’s,(see: “On The Other Side”), but it seems like the only option when you put these parts all together.
Rating: 9/10
