Albert Hammond Jr., the guitarist and keyboard player of The Strokes, has been vocal about his enthusiasm for the band's latest album, 'Reality Awaits'. In a recent interview, he described the album as 'intoxicatingly good' and his 'favourite' work they've ever done, despite some fans expressing criticism over the use of a vocoder on Julian Casablancas' voice.
Hammond's strong support for the album is a notable shift from the mixed response the band received for their previous singles, 'Going Shopping' and 'Falling Out Of Love'. The vocoder, which gives Casablancas' voice a distinctive sound reminiscent of Daft Punk's 'Instant Crush', has been a point of contention among some fans. However, Hammond stands by the band's decision, praising the album's ability to reignite his love for The Strokes.
In the same interview, Hammond also discussed his collaboration with Rick Rubin, describing it as one of his favorite recording experiences. He emphasized the importance of the band focusing on what brings them joy and excitement, rather than external pressures. This sentiment aligns with the band's recent focus on their creative process and the joy of making music.
Despite the mixed reviews of 'Going Shopping', The Strokes have continued to gain traction with their new material. They've performed at Coachella 2026, calling out the CIA and the United States government in their set, and played new tracks on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'. The band is now gearing up for a massive tour, visiting the UK, North America, Europe, and Japan, with support from notable artists like Thundercat and Cage the Elephant.
However, the tour will see The Strokes perform without guitarist Nick Valensi, who is taking a temporary break. This news comes after Julian Casablancas spoke about stepping away from the band to focus on his other group, The Voidz, though he remains committed to his role in The Strokes.
Hammond's unwavering support for 'Reality Awaits' highlights the band's dedication to their creative vision and the importance of artistic freedom in the music industry. As The Strokes continue to evolve and explore new sounds, their fans can look forward to a continued journey of musical exploration and innovation.
