After a lengthy hiatus that saw them explore solo albums and start families, the Strokes got back together in 2010 for a handful of reunion shows that were warmly received by the band's fans. There was a question as to whether their new music would be as strong as their early work (or whether they would even record fresh songs), but based on the reaction from the unveiling of their new single "Under Cover of Darkness" (available as a free download on the band's official site), it seems like the guys are as good as they've ever been.
"Under Cover of Darkness" sheds the buzzy warmth of the vibe the band crafted on their last effort (2006's First Impressions of Earth) in favor of a more straightforward brand of low-fi scuzz that recalls the songs from their debut (it also adds a little bit of Vampire Weekend-esque international jangle for good measure). Most importantly, it finds singer Julian Casablancas in fine form, and he is able to wrap his fine rasp around a delightful fist-pump-worthy chorus.
Gigwise called the song "a gloriously fine effort" and noted that it did a nice job of blending the band's various sounds. "'Under Cover Of Darkness' won't please everyone, but with one eye on the past and the other on the future, it comes very close," critic Jason Gregory wrote.
Spinner also thought the throwback vibe was excellent. "'Under Cover of Darkness' is an unabashed rock anthem that features the kinds of furious hooks, crunchy guitar solos and crooning-to-crackling vocals that launched the band to stardom in 2001 following the release of Is This It," wrote Brian Voerding.
The Strokes were also always more warmly received by European fans, so it's not surprising that The Guardian is also enthusiastic about the new track (which is the first single from the upcoming album Angles). "It features not one but two brilliant choruses, a great line about how 'everyone's been singing the same song for 10 years' and some additional backing vocals on the chorus (see, they can do versatile)," wrote Michael Cragg. "This will sound amazing in a sun-dappled field come festival season."
Spin magazine writer Steve Kandell said it best: "All it's meant to do is say, 'We're back, and we're just fine,' and that it does."
What do you think of the Strokes' new single? Let us know in the comments!