The Strokes - One Way Trigger - 28.01.2013

First David Bowie, now The Strokes have made a surprise return with new single 'One Way Trigger'. Here's what I thought of it.

Rumours have been abounding for weeks and months, and finally we have the proof. The Strokes are back. The weekend brought a new song from the New York five-piece, 'One Way Trigger', and news that we are to expect their fifth album sometime this year. And if the first song is anything to go by, it could be their most varied effort yet.

'One Way Trigger' sounds like no Strokes song we've heard before; bursting into life like a Gameboy soundtrack, it's only a minute into the track that you can really tell that it's Julian Casablancas singing, so high is his vocal. Then, things start to fall into place; jangling guitars, a fast-paced and tight drumbeat and the recognisably drawn-out Casablancas voice. 'One Way Trigger' sees Casablancas fighting to break free with the lyrical highlights of 'You ask me to stay/But there's a million reasons to leave', and 'Settle down, out of town/Find a dream, shut it down', featuring some of the more touching of Casablanca's lyrics in later-day Strokes work. All things considered, a highly enjoyable track.

Sitting alongside their more recent and experimental 'Angles' style, 'One Way Trigger' is a bright and vibrant pop song that sounds almost cartoony at times, but hints that The Strokes may continue experimenting on their as-yet unnamed fifth album. But hey, it's just great to have the five lads back, complete with the lack of any B-side, the abstract single cover and the anticipation that this could be another fantastic album. They may not be the indie saviours of the year 2001 anymore, but they are now a great modern guitar band.

A very good track, but you can make up your own mind because here it is, The Strokes' 'One Way Trigger'. Enjoy.

NWR