The Strokes, Yellowcard, and Duran Duran are back with new music this week
There are many familiar faces on our list this week, which is a good thing. Sometimes you a need something that makes you remember the good times, and I know these bands will do just that. So enjoy and get nostalgic.
The Strokes – “Angles” [RCA/ Rough Trade]
Yes, they’re back. It’s been five years since their “First Impressions of Earth.” The band said that this album will be a throwback to its debut “Is This It.” A quick listen confirms this. Most of the album does have the old-school, post-punk sound people can quickly recognize from singles such as “Last Night.” In fact, “Under Cover In Darkness” sounds really similar to “Last Night,” to the point where there’s even a section of the song that is a direct copy of said hit. Still, if you want something familiar, then this is the album for you.
Panic! At the Disco – “Vices and Virtues” [Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen]
To be completely honest, I haven’t been following this group that much. It isn’t that they’re bad or anything, but there wasn’t anything about them that really captured my attention. Still, I’ll give them a shot; after all that’s my job, right? “Vices and Virtures” continues the band’s rocking sound via the single “The Ballad of Mona Lisa,” The band still has its traditional poppy, emo sound, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Yellowcard – “When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes” [Hopeless Records]
Here’s another group that claims to be going back to their roots. With “When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes,” the band stated that the record will be going back to their pre – major label days. Also, I have to confess, I’m a sucker for any band that has a violin in its arsenal. Sorry. That aside, songs like “For You, And Your Denial” do have a catchy quality that can’t be ignored.
Duran Duran – “All You Need Is Now” [S – Curve Records]
So we’re going from something new to something old. I don’t mean that in a disparaging way because old is always awesome. Old has been around the block and back. Old knows a thing or two, and that describes Duran Duran perfectly. They know what works but simultaneously are not afraid to mix it up to appeal to the younger fans. Still, with the title track and songs like “Blame the Machines,” the band knows what works and what will work.
CunninLynguists – “Oneirology” [QN5/APOS Music]
If you like your hip-hop with nice, laidback beats and thoughtful lyrics, then this is right up your alley. CunninLynguists has been around for eleven years and still hasn’t lost a step in producing and rhymes. “Get Ignorant,” “Shattered Dreams,” and “Darkness” serve as demonstrations for the awesome beats and lyrics that are the group’s stable. Backpackers will not be disappointed by this release.
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