Julian Casablancas Phrazes for the Young

While bandmates Albert Hammond Jr., Nikolai Fraiture (of Nickel Eye), and Fab Moretti (of Little Joy) spent three years working on their own solo/side projects, Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas remained out of public sight, popping up only to do a dreadful song with Santigold and Pharrell Williams. Turns out bro wasn't just sitting back and reflecting on how awesome he is; he was actually working on a solo album with producers Jason Loder and Mike Mogis (he of Bright Eyes production fame) in New York and Nebraska. Phrazes for the Young is the result, and if you were curious, it is for the young (that's what the "z" is there to signify). Casablancas was always the most vocal about how much debt the Strokes owed to New York rock bands, so it's not shocking that his solo material would adhere to the Strokes' Television mixed with the Ramones mixed with garage rock established sound. What is shocking is that now four of five Strokers have their own bands. Way to slouch Nick Valensi.    

Abstract by Andrew Winistorfer