The Strokes
Biography
The Strokes are an American rock band that formed in New York City in 1998. The lineup consists of Julian Casablancas (lead vocals), Nick Valensi (lead guitar), Albert Hammond Jr. (rhythm guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums). The band is considered one of the most influential acts of the early 2000s, leading the garage rock and post-punk revivals of that era.
Formation and "Is This It"
The members' connections trace back to their school days. Casablancas, Moretti, and Valensi began playing music together, later joined by Fraiture and Hammond Jr. The band officially formed as The Strokes in 1998 and began performing in New York City venues. Their 2001 debut EP, "The Modern Age," created a significant buzz, especially in the UK, and led to a bidding war among record labels. The band signed with RCA Records and released their debut album, "Is This It," in 2001. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its raw, melodic, and energetic sound, drawing comparisons to 1970s garage rock bands. It is widely regarded as a landmark album that revitalized guitar music.
Subsequent Albums and Musical Evolution
The Strokes' second album, "Room on Fire" (2003), maintained a similar sound to their debut and was largely well-received, featuring hits like "Reptilia." Their third album, "First Impressions of Earth" (2006), saw the band experimenting with a more polished sound and became their first to top the UK charts. After a five-year hiatus, during which members pursued solo projects, the band released "Angles" (2011). This album, along with "Comedown Machine" (2013), incorporated more new wave and synth-pop elements, receiving generally positive reviews. The band's musical style evolved, moving from their initial garage rock sound to incorporate different influences.
Hiatus, Solo Projects, and Return
Following "First Impressions of Earth," the band took a significant break, with all members exploring individual musical ventures. Albert Hammond Jr. released solo albums, Fabrizio Moretti formed the band Little Joy, Nikolai Fraiture started Nickel Eye, and Nick Valensi formed CRX. Julian Casablancas released a solo album and later formed the experimental band The Voidz. Despite these side projects, The Strokes continued to work together intermittently. In 2020, they made a major comeback with their sixth studio album, "The New Abnormal." Produced by Rick Rubin, the album was hailed as a return to form and earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.
Legacy and Current Status
The Strokes are credited with reviving rock and roll in the early 2000s and influencing a wave of subsequent indie bands such as The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Arctic Monkeys. Their debut album, "Is This It," is consistently ranked among the best albums of its decade and of all time. The band remains active, touring and headlining major music festivals. While they have not officially announced a new album as of mid-2024, they continue to be an influential force in modern rock music.