February 8, 2001
The Strokes: London Camden Monarch
Fresh from their NME Carling Awards show, electrifying New Yorkers The Strokes continue to sleaze-rock...
Punters in this overcrowded venue are bristling with frustration and fury. Crammed shoulder to sweaty shoulder, they are waiting for a full 45 minutes until The Strokes deign to follow the support act. On the last night of a hitherto successful English tour, this New York five-piece have given themselves an uphill struggle. The energy and panache with which they attack their rough'n'ready songs, though, is hugely irresistible.
Much has already been said about The Strokes sounding like an identikit New York punk band and, sure, the bass line of 'Another Place' raids Blondie's back catalogue and 'New York City Cops' sounds like it's from the Talking Heads song book. To these ears and eyes, however, their music and poise owe far more to London's 60's mod scene.
'The Modern Age', their debut single, hijacks The Kinks' 'David Watts' and shifts it into fifth gear. Punchy hooks could come courtesy of The Who and those angular riffs and that snarling, louche attitude would seem at home with The Small Faces.
Whichever way they play it, nothing about The Strokes sounds like it's from the modern age. Crucially, they never sound like
they're trying and they create a sense of excitement with a genuine love of rock'n'roll that transcends their derivative music. All they need now is a bit more substance to go with the abundance of style.
Ben Clancy
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