The latest album from The Strokes, Comedown Machine, is one smooth and at times nostalgic ride. This album reunites The Strokes with the producer of the Angles album, Gus Oberg. While you can draw tons of comparisons between the two albums, Comedown Machine comes off as more tame and relaxed than Angles, which is not a bad thing at all. At times while listening I really enjoyed the mellow and soft rhythms of songs like “Tap Out”. As well lead singer, Julian Casablancas, and his entourage of Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. deliver some great vocals and really catchy harmonies, especially in “80s comedown machine.”
For someone not too familiar with The Strokes, but a fan of alternative music in general, they should really enjoy the overall upbeat and relaxed mood of the album. I would say that Comedown Machine takes you through some great ups and downs where you still can hear some high octane Strokes such as in “50/50”. This higher octane feel is perfectly balanced though and you feel a great flow from song to song throughout the overall record. And at times I felt a real sense of nostalgia when hearing songs like “Call it Fate, Call it Karma,” which makes me feel like I am in an older era. For a more modern band to take person back to a different time and feel is one impressive feat, and all I am with this album is impressed.
To any Strokes fan I highly recommend you pick this album up, I guarantee you will be in no way disappointed with any aspect of the album. The flow, feel, and rhythm of the entire record is superb and anyone not familiar with The Strokes can pick up Comedown Machine and appreciate the whole album from start to finish. Wherever you buy your music, I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of Comedown Machine and enjoy some of the best The Strokes can offer.
-Jake Alleruzzo