The Strokes have delayed the release of their seventh studio album, Reality Awaits, from June 26 to July 24 to synchronize digital streaming availability with physical vinyl shipments. Guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. confirmed the reasoning via a since-deleted post on X, noting the band’s desire for a unified global launch. The shift follows mixed critical reception to early singles and precedes a wide-ranging international tour.
Why did The Strokes delay the album release?
The four-week delay for Reality Awaits stems from supply chain logistics common in the modern music industry. According to Albert Hammond Jr., the band opted to move the release date to July 24 to ensure that streaming services and vinyl retailers launch the album simultaneously. This strategy aims to prevent consumer frustration caused by staggered release windows, where digital access often precedes the arrival of physical media.
How does the new material compare to previous work?
Albert Hammond Jr. has described the sound of the new record as being reminiscent of a “weird, young band.” His comments reflect his earlier sentiment expressed last month, where he characterized Reality Awaits as his “favourite album” the group has produced, citing its ability to grow on the listener with repeated spins.
However, public reception has been divided. Early singles including “Going Shopping” and “Falling Out Of Love” drew criticism from some listeners regarding Julian Casablancas’ use of vocal effects, specifically the vocoder. In a three-star review, NME noted that while the tracks avoid playing it safe, they lack the “spirit and tenacity” found on the band’s earlier, more iconic records.
What is the future of The Strokes’ live performances?
The band is moving forward with an extensive tour schedule covering the UK, North America, Europe, and Japan. This run marks their first full headline tour in the UK and Ireland in over 20 years. Notably, all upcoming shows will proceed without guitarist Nick Valensi, who the band confirmed is taking a “temporary break” from live performance duties.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| New Album Release | July 24 |
| New York Show (Flushing Meadows) | October 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Nick Valensi still in The Strokes?
- Yes. The band confirmed he is only taking a temporary break from live shows.
- When is the new Strokes album coming out?
- Reality Awaits is scheduled for release on July 24.
- Who is supporting The Strokes on their upcoming tour?
- The tour features various support acts including Thundercat, Cage the Elephant, Hamilton Leithauser, Fat White Family, and Alex Cameron.
Have you listened to the new singles? Share your thoughts on the band’s evolving sound in the comments section below, or sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates on tour dates and album drops.
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