What I was expecting was the passe and cliched sounds emulated by the rather monotonous White Stripes. What I was not expecting was something that ranks as one of my albums of 2004.
I dismissed The Strokes on a whim, as above, it would have been a tragedy for myself had I never bothered to listen to them. I took a chance, and I have been mesmerised and am in awe of a very good rock group.
Having been rather disappointed at the lack of British talent, with only the regulars Coldplay, Radiohead and Blur waving the flag, and being rather unimpressed by music from around the world in general this has been a welcome delight, much like the Kings of Leon.
The Strokes have a raw grittiness that is lacking – a passionate sounds eminating from the group has a whole, not since The Bends have I listened to a band that is so cohesive and flows so flawlessly together – the passion within the band shines like a ballet at an opera house: beautifully and spectacularly.
it’s great to hear a band that just plays tunes you can play in the background, move your head like a chicken too and get on with your work
Lead singer sounds a little like Liam Gallagher at times, heck even the first track, What Happened?, sounds very much like an Oasis track initially – it’s a gentle push into the rest of the album where the tracks grow from strength to strength.
The stand out track, also released as a single, Repitilia, is….well it blows my mind. I have never heard a track that makes me want to jump around, and shout as I feel shivers down my spine from hearing such a memorable voice. It has a certain sexiness, a certain coolness that displays itself through the entire track. It’s a kinda “fuck you and what you think” anger during the chorus, which is wonderful to hear. This track provides shades of Joy Division (one of my all time favourite bands), the gritty, dirty and croakiness it just fantastic.
rather unimpressed by music from around the world in general this has been a welcome delight
Room on Fire continues with short, sharp rock songs ranging in style – The End Has No End being another favourite. It’s a fascinating album, and I understand not their first either. It takes the best from everything and creates something new and enjoyable. It’s not wholly original, but nothing is these days – save for a few. And in times of “ME TOO!!” bands, it’s great to hear a band that just plays tunes you can play in the background, move your head like a chicken too and get on with your work. while inside your head you’re jumping aruond to some fun rock tunes.
This album won’t be to everyone’s taste, as when I say rock i mean that in the broadest sense – there are tunes to make you rock, there are tunes however, that you could play on a wonderfully warm day, sitting on your porch, relaxing with a vodka and ice.
It has songs for all your moods, it has songs for all the right moments, and no matter how melancholy the songs can be sometimes, for me (like Radiohead) it is the sulkiness that makes me smile. Call me deprived if you will
Verdict: One of THE albums of the year, if not the best. Play, turn off your mind, absorb.
Track Listing
1. What Ever Happened?
2. Reptilia
3. Automatic Stop
4. 12:51
5. You Talk Way Too Much
6. Between Love & Hate
7. Meet Me in the Bathroom
8. Under Control
9. The End Has No End
10. The Way it is
11. I Can’t Win