The Strokes have released their seventh album, 'Reality Awaits,' six years after their last, 'The New Abnormal.' The album marks an experimental turn for the band, largely influenced by Julian Casablancas's work with The Voidz, and features extensive use of auto-tune on Casablancas's vocals. This vocal processing, while controversial among some fans and critics, is not entirely new for Casablancas, who has used similar techniques in his solo projects and past Strokes songs like "At the Door" and "Eternal Summer."
Produced by Rick Rubin, who also helmed 'The New Abnormal,' 'Reality Awaits' was recorded in various locations including Costa Rica. The album's sound is described as chaotic and unpredictable, with songs like 'Tyrants of The Mellow Moon' and 'The Fruits of Conquest' demonstrating mutable structures. Despite the experimentation, the album retains The Strokes' melodic DNA and has a pop sensibility, even with tracks like the sinister opener 'Psycho Shit' that discusses dark themes. Lyrics frequently touch on social commentary, political satire, consumerism, and reactionary propaganda, themes Casablancas has explored in other contexts, including a Coachella 2026 performance.
Tracks such as 'Lonely In The Future' delve into nostalgia, referencing past trends and notable figures, and even include a jab at music critic Anthony Fantano. While some songs, like 'Going to Babble On' and 'Going Shopping,' offer a slightly more luminous feel, their lyrics often carry ironic anti-consumerist messages. Critics note that while the album might not be as immediately catchy as 'The New Abnormal' (a favorite among Gen Z fans), it is a more cohesive project that rewards repeated listening. The album consists of nine tracks, including "Dine N'Dash" and "Liar's Remorse," and is being released by Sony Music. Despite the divisive auto-tune, the band's chemistry and intensity remain, with the album showcasing a renewed artistic vigor for the New York group.
