The Ephemeric

Genre Alternative
Label Rough Trade
Producer Jason Lader
Release Date November 3rd



Let me begin by saying that I've never been all that big a fan of the Strokes. Sure they have a few decent songs, and one or two seriously awesome ones, but most of those are from like 5 years ago. However, It's been a good year for Julian Casablancas, frontman for the Strokes.

First he reminded everyone how talented a songwriter he can be with his recent addition to Danger Mouse's latest album, and now he has come out with his debut solo album, and it's mostly pretty good.

What is particularly impressive about this album is how Casablancas tries to dabble in so many diverse genres of music. Whether it's the standard Strokes-fare alternative rock of Out of the Blue, or the Keane-alike (but far better) Glass. In fact, aside from the hard rock durge of River of Brakelights, Casablancas takes very few wrong turns in this album.

But the album, without a doubt, is at its best when it takes a turn towards electro-pop, with the excellent Left & Right in the Dark hooking you with ballsy riffs and vintage 80s textures. And of course then there's the euphorically happy 11th Dimension that has been driving fans on the internet crazy in anticipation for this album for the past few weeks.

Ultimately this is a very promising debut in a year where good albums have been few and far between, so you may as well give it a shot.


Must Listen:
11th Dimension


Left and Right in the Dark


Out of the Blue