“The Strokes” Photographed by Leslie Lyons
The early 2000s was a period of uncertainty for rock, where 90s grunge had met its demise and britpop was forgotten. The Strokes emerged with the release of their debut album “Is This It” in 2001, which became a global sensation and the fuel for garage rock revival, alongside albums from the White Stripes and Interpol to name a few. Their simplistic yet powerful style also paved the way for a new indie rock genre.
The Strokes took shape in 1998 in New York consisting of vocalist Julian Casablancas and his childhood friend and guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., alongside other members like Nick Valensi (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums). Drawing inspiration from The Doors, The Velvet Underground and Bob Marley to name a few, “Is This It” was a welcomed blend of nostalgia and innovation. With their simplistic and back-to-basic approach to music, the album makes the most out of the limited resources they had, creating a harmonious blend of Julian Casablancas’ wide-ranged vocals and captivating guitar work.
Crafted in New York, their first album became a global hit and changed the course of rock music, becoming an inspiration for bands like Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand to name a few. The album had its UK release in the summer of 2001, followed by a delayed American release. Notably, the track "New York City Cops" was left out from the American version as a gesture of respect after the September 11 attacks. Alongside critical acclaim, the band gained attention in tabloids due to their rock-star behavior and high-profile relationships.
“Is This It” LP Cover
By 2003, their new wave-inspired album "Room on Fire" maintained their dedicated fan base but didn't surpass the peak of their earlier success. Their subsequent album, "First Impressions of Earth" (2006), showcased more ambitious songwriting and polished production but received less enthusiasm. The band members embarked on various side projects during their hiatus. The Strokes regrouped for "Angles" (2011) and "Comedown Machine" (2013), which incorporated more electronic elements and received mixed reviews. Meanwhile, Julian Casablancas formed the band The Voidz. In 2016, The Strokes released the EP "Future Present Past" and in 2020, their sixth studio album, "The New Abnormal," produced by Rick Rubin, was well-received and hailed as a return to form.
Over the course of their career, The Strokes have had their fair share of uncertainties, division and hiatuses. Nevertheless, they deliver innovation in the genre. The Strokes' impact on rock is not forgotten and their first album served as a reminder of their vital role in the 21st-century rock landscape.