It’s been a long time coming with a lot of doubt along the way, but New York rock and roll royalty The Strokes have today released three brand new singles as part of their first recordings since 2013’s Comedown Machine. Forming an EP titled Future Present Past, it is comprised of three new singles Drag Queen, OBLIVIUS and Threat Of Joy as well as a remix by drummer Fabrizio Moretti of Oblivius. It’s available for streaming on Spotify right now:
Recorded over the last year between Austin, Texas and the band’s native New York City, there’s something for fans of every sound on The Strokes wide spectrum here. Drag Queen is a droney, synth laden rocker that picks up on the experimental vibes of 2011’s Angles. OBLIVIUS is positively summery, the slithery guitar riff from Albert Hammond Jr. (his squealing guitar solo in the middle an utter treat) and the funky backbeat anchoring it just mesmerising before frontman Julian Casablancas‘ signature fuzzed out voice is allowed to absolutely soar over the chorus as he wails ‘what are you standing on?’. Threat Of Joy should instantly appeal to fans of vintage Strokes, a jangly garage riff and Casablancas’ vocals clean as a whistle making it a pleasant indie rock song to round out the new material.
Quite the surprise to wake up to this morning and even better that the songs are this good. With a new album in the works this is as good an indication as any that it won’t disappoint. You can expect The Strokes to give these the full live workout while they’re in Australia as part of this year’s gigantic Splendour In The Grass lineup.
Future Present Past is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play now and will be released on 10″ vinyl on June 3rd via Cult Records. Get it here.
Read our look back on The Strokes debut album Is This It.