The Strokes: Architects of the 2000s Indie Rock Revival
The Strokes are an American rock band from New York City, widely credited with spearheading the garage rock revival and indie rock explosion of the early 2000s.Formed in 1998 by childhood friends Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums), later joined by Nikolai Fraiture (bass) and Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar).Their explosive debut album, 'Is This It' (2001), became a critical and commercial phenomenon, defining the post-punk revival sound.Released subsequent albums 'Room on Fire' (2003), 'First Impressions of Earth' (2006), 'Angles' (2011), 'Comedown Machine' (2013), and 'The New Abnormal' (2020), which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.Experienced hiatuses and side projects but remain active, celebrated for their influential sound and iconic NYC cool.
- Julian Casablancas and Albert Hammond Jr. met as teenagers at the prestigious Swiss boarding school Le Rosey.
- Early tensions existed between Casablancas and original guitarist J.P. Bowersock, who was replaced by Hammond Jr. before the band solidified.
- The band faced intense scrutiny and pressure following the massive success of 'Is This It', leading to internal tensions documented during the making of later albums.
- The band went on an extended hiatus from 2006 to 2010, with members pursuing solo projects (Julian Casablancas + The Voidz, Albert Hammond Jr., Little Joy, Nickel Eye).
- Albert Hammond Jr. publicly battled severe drug addiction in the mid-2000s but successfully recovered and rejoined the band.
- Their 2020 album 'The New Abnormal', released during the COVID-19 pandemic, marked a major critical and award-winning comeback after a 7-year gap.