In case we needed a reminder of how much life had changed since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, The Strokes were here to reassure us that yes, things are fu--ed up.
"The New Abnormal," the band's sixth album and its first in seven years, is a commentary on, well, our new abnormal reality. But don't expect any silver linings, frontman Julian Casablancas doesn't reveal any melioristic optimism.
On opener "The Adults Are Talking," it seems as if Casablancas is speaking on behalf of Gen-Z when he sings, "They will blame us, crucify and shame us / We can't help it if we are a problem / We are tryin' hard to get your attention." Young people are speaking up about the climate crisis, racial injustices, and political activism, yet are ridiculed for being too radical and not conforming to established ideals.
"Bad Decisions" sees Casablancas sing, "I'm making bad decisions / Really, really bad decisions" in his usual indifferent conceit before screaming out a long, affirming "Yeah!"
It's an unfortunate experience many people can relate to as we try and navigate life during the coronavirus pandemic: We're so fed up with this new abnormal way of life that we'll risk breaking the rules for a gleam of relief, fully acknowledging the possibility of negative side effects.
On "At the Door," Casablancas relents, singing, "I can't escape it / Never gonna make it / Out of this in time / I guess that's just fine."
It's a rather blasé reaction to the existential dread so many people are feeling in this new paradigm of American life, but it advocates an obvious lesson. The best way to fight what you can't control is to relax and adjust.
Easier said than done, but it proves once again that by not caring, The Strokes are one step ahead of the rest of us.