The Strokes -‘One Way Trigger’
It’s been two years and The Strokes are back with a vengeance. ‘One Way Trigger’ marks the beginning of their fifth outing and this could definitely be a big one. The opening is immediately upbeat and vibrant, the drums and guitar beguile: you want to hear more, their timeless trait. The most noticeable change comes from Casablancas’s rather effeminate tones but the lyrics are imbued with resonations of one night stands, finding a way in life and the hopelessness of dreams. This is The Strokes at their best: juxtaposing buoyant tunes with darker, philosophical lyrics, but nonetheless fans of old will be hesitant. I can only say to this, why? They always manage to astound and, after few listens, anyone can be enthralled. Here’s hoping we seeing innovation and originality similar to this in the coming album. ALEX KILLEEN
San Cisco – ‘Fred Astaire’
Australian four-piece San Cisco’s latest song, ‘Fred Astaire’, consists of an indie pop sound with a blend of soft rock, making for a catchy and vibrant tune. The mix of the beat of the drum, the tambourine and the guitar creates a refreshingly bright and high tempo sound different to the current songs of the indie pop music scene. With lyrics of a deep feeling and a clear love for the music they make, San Cisco have produced a song to lighten up any mood. With an energetic and soft beat to dance to, ‘Fred Astaire’ is the perfect track for the fun atmosphere created throughout their entire self-titled album. Though the song does not live up to their previous hits such as ‘Awkward’ and ‘Golden Revolver’, with a bubbly charm and a unique approach to music, San Cisco is definitely a band to look out for. DIANA RIGG
Dinosaur Jr. – ‘Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know’
In the first track from the band’s third album, I Bet on Sky, lead vocalist J Mascis creates a calmness with the hazy sound of distorted guitars. ‘Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know’ has a melody that resembles ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock; the song contains the smoothing sounds of the piano, adding a new element to their previous music as well as maintaining their classic instrumental sound of upbeat drumming.
The lyrics produced by Mascis’s distinct voice show a depth of melancholy and anguish that fits well with the mellow tone of the entire album.
Though it may not be a stand out hit song, ‘Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know’ creates a warm change to their previous notable songs, being perhaps one of the best tracks on the album. The track shows Dinosaur Jr. is still in top form from when it started in 1985.
DIANA RIGG