:: The Strokes - Room On Fire

The Strokes

As the benchmark for this latest wave of rock’n’roll, it would be understandable for The Strokes to have folded under the pressure following the release of their acclaimed debut Is This It? Thankfully, quite the opposite can be said of the band after listening to their Room On Fire record. Clearly focused on refining their enterprising sound, The Strokes manage to bring melody even further to the front of their sound. Take the song ‘12:51’ for example, which is loaded with a unassuming keyboard melody. This addition to the standard Strokes song structure managing to radically expand their sound without redefining it. Likewise, the guitar work of Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr once again pushes much of the record along, matched steadily by that unmistakable Strokes rhythm section. ‘Reptilia’ is a fine example of this and is probably the best song on the album. It is simply riveting stuff. Another engaging track is ‘The End Has No End’ with its dynamic and energetic rhythm. This is a quality record that sets the mark against many other offerings around these days. You might be surprised by some of the styles shown with some synth and soul elements. You feel as though you want more, by the time the half-hour album has elapsed, but this band will only get better.