ALBUM OF THE WEEK
THE STROKES
The New Abnormal
Cult/Columbia
If the new music and live shows have never quite lived up to the buzz surrounding previous comebacks and reunions, the Strokes reassemble in 2020 with hype and creative inventiveness marching in step. It helps that their hearts are so obviously in it. (Past reboots by this notoriously cussed and contrary band have often come across as reluctant and lacklustre.) The strength of the new material attests to this, while the welcome absence of a “Can anything equal Is This It?” narrative has cleared the air to everyone’s advantage. They sound, crucially, as if they’re enjoying themselves: the one-two of blistering lyrics and cooing falsetto on Eternal Summer; the crushingly beautiful melody on At
Coming good again: The Strokes
