The New Abnormal

Where to start ?. When you make the most brilliant and 'Perfect' debut album, as these guys did, surely the only way is down ?. I've liked all the Strokes albums since 'Is this it', they've all been at least good, but obviously always in the shadow of their timeless debut. The New Abnormal is the sound of a rejuvenated band doing what they want and continuing to head into new directions with their sound. Julian Casablancas, really pushes himself into new territory here with some outstanding vocals, flipping from his trademark New York style drawl to a falsettos and back. The epic synth sounds that sound like they're belong on a motion picture soundtrack. Everything just sounds incredible on this album and grabs your attention immediately. You can dance, tap your feet and wallow here. There's a song for every mood across these 9 songs taking you a rollercoaster of styles. The slower tracks that didn't grab me so much at first are now actually my favourite songs on the album. The album closers - 'Not the same anymore' and 'Ode to the mets' are powerful, haunting and epic slowburn tracks that linger with you long after. I'm floored by this album, and just how any band after 20 years can still be this good and still evolving !. This is my favourite album by the Strokes, yes , even above 'Is this it'. Stunning

It is the sheer quality of Rubin's production that first hits you from the go on this fabulous album by the now middle aged ( I know....Scary!!!) American 'cool 2000s rock' trend setters. The Strokes were always outstanding talents and the DNA of their sound whilst influenced by great bands like Television, The Ramones, Green Day and Radiohead...with a smidgeon of the Chilli Peppers, has been felt thought pop and rock since their hay day....with the likes of Bloc Party, the Killers, and pretty much any moderately successful rock band owing a debt to this strand authentic streetwise rock flair. We know Is This It, Room On Fire and their third album Impressions, were all excellent....and for me Angles came close....but The New Abnormal exceeds expectations. The Strokes have pulled off a timely classic record that shows the evolution of their sound first hinted at satisfactorily on Angles. The electronic side of the band oozes out of each track, but also the brilliant guitar chugging we know and love. Endless Summer is a masterpiece of composition and production. Kudos to Rubin who's work here feels as worthy a contribution as any band members. The richness when loud on my headphones is amazing. I think it was Beck's album ....the one with Paper Tiger....which is great... Where I first heard a 'new level's of sound quality in music production. And for me Endless Summer is a track people will look back on and say Wow!! For years to come. It may be the brilliant production in the end that seals the 'timeless classic' deal. Saying that the boys have worked hard to make a disciplined and well trimmed album where each track feels designed to please different aspects of the bands matured musical identity. For me this is The Strokes best ever. Love it.

From start to the finish, The New Abnormal is a great album. Delivered in one day in mint condition, brand new. Sounds great on my system, love it. LIFE IS TOOO SHORT BUT I WILL LIVE FOR YOUUUUU

Great album, however does anyone else’s copy have a strong unpleasant smell coming from the plastic cover?

Loved the stream of this album so much, I bought the....LP, in my view their best album since their ground breaking first , Rick Rubin has done a masterful job on the production. I understand the mixed reviews, it takes all sorts. Great idea re vinyl clear cover , not THE greatest pressing, a bit of surface noise on the quiet elements , but still acceptable. Definitely in my Top 5 albums of 2020 to date .

For me this is The Strokes finest album since IsThis It and the best album I heard through lockdown. It has many influences l hear floyd Bono and a lot of 80s in there . Enjoy listening to it it’s still my most played album 18 months after it came out Five out of Five all the way

I have always loved The Strokes but this album is my new favourite, Julian Casablancas (lead vocalist) is phenomenal!...his voice is a true talent and each track is equally brilliant as the one before it!.....love love love it! ❤

I was amazed with this. Binged all their albums last month and tbh I was blown away. What a band. 10/10

A bit of an abnormality for the Strokes but after a listening on vinyl i have a new respect for the Strokes of today.. recommended!

Disco magnifico y sonido fantastico.

Un groupe incontournable – souvent qualifié de plus grand groupe de rock actuel – livre ici son meilleur album à ce jour, marquant une nouvelle étape dans une évolution continue et impressionnante. Ce disque témoigne d'une maîtrise artistique de plus en plus affinée, et c'est sans doute l’album le plus abouti du groupe. La manière dont le chanteur déploie sa voix avec une décontraction impressionnante, sans jamais forcer, s'harmonise parfaitement avec des mélodies méticuleusement travaillées. Chaque note semble coulée dans le marbre, et la justesse de l’interprétation frôle l'excellence. Les arrangements sont d'une sophistication rare, loin des conventions. On y trouve des solos de guitare et de synthétiseur qui, loin de se contenter des schémas classiques de la gamme pentatonique, proposent des explorations originales et captivantes. Le groupe prouve qu’il sait constamment repousser les limites de son genre, offrant une richesse sonore qui récompense l’écoute attentive. De plus, la qualité sonore du vinyle ne déçoit pas. D’une clarté cristalline, chaque instrument prend sa place dans un équilibre parfait, dévoilant toute la profondeur du travail de production. Un véritable régal pour les oreilles.

O produto chegou bem embalado, o álbum tem um ótimo repertório!

Strokesの6枚目のアルバム。 私はStrokesの熱心なファンではないが、アルバムは全て聴いている。 現在の好みは1st、5th、2nd、3rd、4thの順である。 このアルバム、1stに匹敵するくらい良い。 Strokesの個人的に好きな所はキャッチーなメロディを感傷的にならない乾いたサウンドでミニマムにまとめるセンスだと感じていた。 ところがこのアルバムは割と哀愁を感じさせる。 メロディは1stと2ndと同じくらい粒ぞろい。 アレンジは一聴してStrokesと分かるくらいの特徴的なギターの音とかわいた質感のドラム。 そしてボーカルはエモーショナルな歌い方になっている。 切ないメロディをこの声で歌われたら堪らない。 20年前大学生だった自分も、今や立派なおじさん。 ミニマムでスタイリッシュで乾いたStrokesも勿論良いけれど、 年月を経たからこそ、こんな哀感を漂わせるStrokesも素晴らしいと思える。 Strokesを聴いて涙が出そうになる日がくるとは 。 さすがに1stの時代に風穴を開けたようなインパクトはないけれど、これは名盤で間違いない。