The Dapper Stroke

The Strokes band member Albert Hammond Jr. has been known to sport a trademark three-piece suit and is generally noted as one of the most sartorially inclined of the bunch.  Back in 2008 while on hiatus from the group and pursuing his solo career, he collaborated with the LA stylist Ilaria Urbinati to make a line of vintage inspired luxury suiting.  In an interview with gq.com he described the looks as “a good mix of old man, hunter, and seventies rock ‘n’ roll.”  I like these...

Above images by Eric Ray Davidson via GQ

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!

Under the Cover of Darkness

If I were stranded on a desert island and could only listen to one band for the rest of my life, I would probably choose the Strokes. I love 'em.  I am ecstatic that they are back recording a new album together after a 5 year hiatus.  Their first single, "Under the Cover of Darkness," sounds pretty similar to their older stuff, and the new video is pretty cool.  Counting down the days until the new album drops on March 22!