THE STROKES

Angles

[RCA]

Angles marks the first time in the Strokes’ decade-long history that writing chores have been shared by all the members rather than dominated by lead singer Julian Casablancas. Perhaps the shift toward democracy explains why the scruffiness and arrogance that held the group’s previous records together share the stage here with new elements—sometimes the album is an invitation to an island-themed dance party, and sometimes it’s more artsy and dreamy. No doubt Angles will provoke protest from some who fell in love with the Strokes for bringing back the ’70s CBGB sound, but straying from that template doesn’t mean the group has given up on going retro. The quieter pop tunes are totally ’80s—one half expects to see Molly Ringwald or Ralph Macchio starring in the videos. And intentionally so or not, “Gratisfaction” is one of the better Thin Lizzy imitations outside of a full-blown tribute act. –David Styburski