The Strokes

The Strokes are an American rock band formed in 1998 in New York City. The lineup consists of lead vocalist Julian Casablancas, guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture, and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. The band became a leading force in the early-2000s garage rock and post-punk revival movements. Their debut album Is This It (2001) received widespread critical acclaim and is considered one of the most influential albums of the decade. The follow-ups, Room on Fire (2003) and First Impressions of Earth (2006), expanded their sound, with the latter achieving top positions on the UK charts. After a five-year hiatus, the band released Angles (2011) and Comedown Machine (2013), showcasing a shift in their sound that received mixed reactions. In 2016, they released the EP Future Present Past, and in 2020, they returned with The New Abnormal, marking a strong comeback and reaffirming their status as rock icons. Besides their work as a band, members pursued solo projects. Julian Casablancas released a solo album and founded his own record label while also performing with The Voidz. Albert Hammond Jr. released several solo albums, and Nick Valensi has been active with the band CRX. The Strokes have had a profound impact on the music scene, shaping the sound and aesthetics of 2000s rock and inspiring numerous new bands.