Reviews have pouring out over the last few days following The Strokes double bill at London’s O2 Arena, these seem to have come forth in seismically differing opinions and reactions. I argue however that some of the more negatively scoped reviewers may not have immersed themselves in the band’s historically long-standing cultural swagger. Despite their aloof and somewhat minimal stage presence, this has never been something they have been remarked for, instead choosing to let their killer musicality do the talking. There was also some discourse over Julian Casablancas’ statement that
“If you want us to never play a song, request it, […] I’m like the Hulk I feed on your rage.”
Some critics took that as a direct insult to the fans and their more niche discography, but this just is just an example of the band’s beloved stubborn nature.
No gripes however could hold the band back from unequivocal greatness. Starting perhaps mildly with the bands new (and rather controversial) album’s Dine N’ Dash some audience members appeared apprehensive and perhaps concerned whether this album would be at the forefront of their next 90 minutes. A solution was quickly administered however as Soma, a classic from their debut album Is This It? Began to echo across the dance floor. From then on there seemed to be an understanding that a few new tracks from Reality Awaits may have to be endured in order to relish in the classics. Thus, the audience was rewarded in an exuberant manner, with explosive tracks such as Reptilia, Someday and Last Nite. As well as deeper cuts; Juicebox, Meet Me in the Bathroom, One Way Trigger and my personal highlight: New York City Cops.
Casablancas’ signature auto tuned trilling and crooning felt just as fresh and album adjacent as it ever has, whilst maintaining his playful ad-libs, lyric flips and mocking banter with the occasional political call to action. Fabrizio Moretti delivered a tight and solid performance on the drums which in conjunction with bassist Nikolai Fraiture’s energetic and passionate execution, the rhythm section stood as an epic foundational core. Although the substitution of Nick Valensi for Steve Schiltz was somewhat felt, especially during the iconic Reptilia solo, together. With Albert Hammond Jr. the pair channeled a taut, wiry performance with crackling and confident solos.
By the midpoint, the night was undoubtedly scintillating with dance energy. All members of the enveloping stalls were on their feet from the opening note to the fall of the curtain, grooving to the unique mastery of one of the most heralded, pivotal bands in Indie history. Sounding just as vital as they ever have, the band has had their conjectured ups and downs, with moments that felt as if they would rather be anywhere but the stage, this tour has felt like a sigh of relief for those most dedicated fans, they are firmly sitting on a high.
