Even though Julian Casblancas is the singer and main songwriter for the Strokes, he doesn’t pursue the Strokes sound or even emphasize his voice on this debut solo album. Instead, he jams himself into the mix and explores a different take on retro than his retro-garage band. “Out of the Blue” kicks things off with a heavily compressed wall of sound, the soothing ‘oohs’ of the chorus lost in a swirl of ‘60s-inspired guitars and keyboards. “Left & Right In the Dark” begins with a soothing roller-rink organ and processed vocals layered among the staccato guitar licks, sounding like slightly more edgy ‘70s MOR. “11th Dimension” sports happy synthesizers for an ‘80s dance party. “4 Chords of the Apocalypse” channels a ‘60s R&B ballad through the automaton sounds of the ‘80s. “Ludlow St.” throws in a country music lope amidst its cramped keyboard heavy arrangement. “River of Brakelights” ramps up the Gary Numan “Cars” influence as it swings out of control. “Glass” slows things for an electro ballad. “Tourist” closes things out with a swinging gait, some deep bass rumbles and Casablancas’ lazy-man vocals rolling right into the cascading keyboards.
Track List:
01 Out of the Blue
02 Left & Right In the Dark
03 11th Dimension
04 4 Chords of the Apocalypse
05 Ludlow St.
06 River of Brakelights
07 Glass
08 Tourist
09 Old Hollywood
10 30 Minute Boyfriend
11 I Wish It Was Christmas Today
Digital Booklet - Phrazes For The Young (Deluxe Version)