Danielle Damper
Let my just start by saying this: I am a die-hard Strokes fan. I follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and I frequently check pitchfork.com and their website to hear any possible updates or new tracks or even rumors that a new track is coming out. So let’s just say that when front man Julian Casablancas tweeted on Tuesday a link to their new song “One way Trigger” I was overjoyed.
Let’s just say upon listening I did not get what was expected.
Part of the allure of The Strokes is the gravelly, deep, jarring vocals of Casablancas set to the mildly hypnotic background of guitarists of Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi. However, “One Way Trigger” takes a quarter-turn with Casablancas singling mainly in a sky-high falsetto.
When I first listened to it, I was appalled and couldn’t get past the change. However, with my second, third, fourth, and fifth listen, I heard the core of what makes The Strokes so amazing.
Yes, the song is sung mainly in falsetto, but every now and then Casablancas’ voice drops and Fabrizzo Moretti fills the empty space with fills and the effect is simply hair-raising.
The new track also explores a more expansive use of the synth pop/ electronica feel already alluded to in “First Impressions of Earth” and “Maccu Piccu.” Also prevalent is the peppy brightness heard in “Someday” that makes “One Way Trigger” perfect for driving with the top down.
The song is currently available for free download on The Strokes website as the teaser for their new album Comedown Machine, coming out March 26th.
If “One Way Trigger” is anything like the rest of Comedown Machine , then we’re in store for a change of pace. And I Cant wait.
