The Strokes have released their seventh studio album, titled "Reality Awaits," on Friday, July 24. The nine-track collection marks a departure into more experimental territory compared to their previous Grammy-winning record, "The New Abnormal."

"Reality Awaits" explores the band's "odder tendencies," according to notes from the New York Post. The album opens with "Psycho S--" and concludes with "Tyrants of the Mellow Moon," with the band maintaining their signature sound throughout the varied tracks.

Individual songs from the album have drawn specific attention. "Psycho S--" is described as moody and spaced-out, building with melancholic guitar and vocals before incorporating auto-tuned vocals and crashing cymbals. "Dine N' Dash" is noted for its catchy, more conventional sound with neat percussion and controlled guitar. "Lonely in the Future" is characterized by an energetic opening and a chorus that reflects on the past. The single "Falling Out Love" is described as downbeat and dreamy, with lead singer Julian Casablancas channeling influences like Lou Reed and Neil Young. "Going to Babble On" is noted for its playful, slightly sinister feel and mesmerizing hook. "Going Shopping," released prior to the album, is a tropicalia-tinged track that shifts tempo and incorporates a sound reminiscent of Dire Straits. "Liar's Remorse" is highlighted as an ambitious and divisive track with raw, almost Beatles-esque moments. "The Fruits of Conquest" is described as the funkiest and freshest track on the album, featuring a groovy beat and a vocal performance drawing comparisons to Mick Jagger. The closing track, "Tyrants of the Mellow Moon," starts with elements similar to The Beatles' "Happiness is a Warm Gun" before settling into garage rock with fuzzed-out guitars.

Alongside the album release, The Strokes have announced a series of tour dates and festival appearances throughout the summer and fall.

Upcoming Performances

The band is scheduled to perform at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, on September 19-20. Two weeks later, they will play at Flushing Meadow Corona Park in Queens, NY, on October 2. Special guests at the Queens show include TV on the Radio, Beach House, and Fcukers.

Further tour dates include:

  • August 7-9: Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco, CA
  • August 22: Just Like Heaven in Pasadena, CA
  • August 25: Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend, OR
  • August 27: Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, CA
  • August 28: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA
  • September 12: Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, FL
  • September 13: Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL
  • September 17: Truliant Amphitheater in Charlotte, NC
  • September 18-20: Shaky Knees Music Festival in Atlanta, GA

Festival appearances include headlining slots at Outside Lands, Just Like Heaven, Shaky Knees, and Sea.Hear.Now, with fellow artists like Charli XCX, LCD Soundsystem, Gorillaz, and The War on Drugs also on the lineups.

At non-festival shows, The Strokes will be supported by various opening acts, including TV on the Radio, Beach House, Fcukers, Cage The Elephant, Thundercat, Hamilton Leithauser, Fat White Family, and Alex Cameron.

Live setlists from recent shows have included fan favorites such as "Reptilia," "Last Nite," "Hard To Explain," "Whatever Happened?" and "Someday," mixed with newer songs from "The New Abnormal" and "Reality Awaits."