The Strokes - One Way Trigger

You probably won’t read a single reaction to ‘One Way Trigger’, the first taster of The Strokes’ forthcoming fifth studio album, that makes no reference to Norwegian pop maestros A-Ha’s 1985 karaoke staple. Like A-Ha are a bad thing, right?

With a sort-of-will-this-do-but-in-a-kind-of-cool-way falsetto and a plinky plonk synth shuffle, New York’s dysfunctional post-millennial buzz troupe return in a style that can only be described as ‘unexpected’. And it’s probably a good job too, after the lukewarm reception given by many to 2011’s ‘Angles’.

Because one thing you couldn’t level at ‘One Way Trigger’ is that it’s playing it safe with The Strokes’ formula. Naturally, it’s still within touching distance - all languid posturing and lazy swagger under a hyperactive exterior - but it’s only about half way through that it actually really feels like it’s definitely them. The Valensi guitar line certainly helps, as does a return to Julian Casablancas’ usual register, but ‘Last Nite’ this certainly ain’t.

It’s already clear that, whatever The Strokes have planned for their impending album, it’s not going to please everyone. But it’s still worthy of an opinion, however divisive. That in itself is a bit of a victory.

Reader Reviews

‘I think it was brave of them to cover A-ha’s ‘Take on Me’ as a comeback single.’ - @itsdanieljones

‘Big time yes! it has classic Strokes elements but it also sounds a little different. Julian’s versatile voice is spot on.’ - @Greentree82

‘This is just weird. Mr. Casablancas, where have you hidden that sexy voice of yours?’ - AnetteLien

‘I don’t know. I’m so confused with julian’s high voice.’ - @vndrizaldi

‘I am confused by this new Strokes song. I hate it then I like it then I hate it again’ - @Philippine14

‘Big YES!’ - @nathiearditti

‘Who on earth would listen to that 4 minutes of aural rape twice?!’ - @MattersToNone