The Return of the Strokes

To celebrate the return of the Strokes and the release of their new album, I wanted to highlight some of the side projects the band members have been involved in over the past few years.  Each one incorporates elements of the garage/indie rock we know and love with their own personal touch.  Although they maintain an image as a grungy garage rock band, underneath they're some of the preppiest boys in the indie rock scene.


Julian Casablancas is the son of the founder of Elite modeling agency in NYC .  He grew up in New York attending the Lycée Français de New York where he met future bass guitarist, Nikolai Fraiture.  He later briefly attended the prestigious De Rosey in Switzerland, where he met Albert Hammond Jr.  Guitarist Nick Valensi and drummer Fab Moretti became friends with Casablancas at the Dwight School and the Strokes were born.


Here are some of my top picks from each band member.   
Julian-
"11th Dimension"


Nikolai-
Nickel Eye, "Brandy of the Damned"


Fab-
Little Joy, "Next Time Around"


Albert Hammond Jr. "GfC"



Nick Valensi has been playing the guitar and singing with a variety of artists including Regina Spektor and Devendra Banhart.  He also worked with Sia on her latest album writing many of the guitar hooks and melodies.  You can definitely hear the Strokes sound in the guitar of this song.


After listening to all the talent from these guys, it's no wonder why the Strokes have such a great sound.  Be sure to check out their new album, Angles, which comes out today!