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The StrokesFirst Impressions Of Earth Sony/BMG My, ahem, first impressions of The Strokes' third album were formed back in August 2005 in a tiny SonyBMG office when precious few were granted a preview. At the time it was an eight track record of less than 30 minutes and I cringed to think of the critics' blacklash. Now, many months later, the 14-track offering is considerably more robust and is just as satisfying qualitatively as it is quantitatively. 'First Impressions...' seems to have been turned down an octave from previous releases with bass heavy intros a common thread that serve to accentuate the high guitar lines when they appear. Julian Casablancas' somnambulant slurring is still evident but this time his feigned disinterest has given way to new vocal ranges conveying a new range of emotions. You Only Live Once opens 'First Impressions...' with the reaffirmation that this is the work of the band that you know and love; and we are again reminded of this late in the piece with Ize Of The World serving as an instantly catchy tune with a strong guitar presence and Casablancas' lazy vocals. First single Juicebox gives a good indication of where The Strokes are at now and thus sets the tone of the album. On The Other Side starts off low before being sweetened with simple guitar riffs off set by Casablancas' acerbic lyrics. 'First Impressions...' is a strong addition to The Strokes' discography and, although it has its weaknesses (Killing Lies and 15 Minutes lose me every time) there is a sense of lyrical and vocal maturation balanced by old fashioned guitar pop that, whether it starts you swaggering, dancing or contemplating, has achieved its aim.  |
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