The Strokes Return with ‘Reality Awaits’
The Strokes are officially back. Six years after the release of their Grammy-winning album The New Abnormal, the iconic New York City band has announced their seventh studio album, Reality Awaits. The band teased the project via a retro-styled clip on Instagram, confirming a release date of June 26 via Cult/RCA, perfectly timed for the height of the summer festival season.
Lead Single “Going Shopping”
The album’s lead single, “Going Shopping,” offers a jaunty, easy-going sound that leans into a heavy use of Auto-Tune—even by Julian Casablancas’ experimental standards. In a nod to their dedicated fanbase, the single was initially shared with a select group of 100 fans via mailed cassette tapes. Musically, the track is anchored by a steady, driving drumbeat and a breezy, beach-inspired guitar melody. Lyrically, Casablancas navigates the tension between the comforts of a quiet, rural existence and the addictive, chaotic nature of urban life. “The worse reality gets, the less you wanna hear about it / Solidarity can be difficult / When you got cool stuff to lose,” he muses.
Production and Album Details
Reality Awaits sees the return of producer Rick Rubin, who previously helmed The New Abnormal. The upcoming LP features cover art showcasing Richard Prince’s 1989 painting, Untitled (Cowboy). As the band prepares for the album launch, they are set to perform at Coachella this weekend, with headlining slots at Bonnaroo and Outside Lands scheduled for later this summer.
Reality Awaits Tracklist:
- Psycho Shit
- Dine N’Dash
- Lonely In The Future
- Falling Out Of Love
- Going To Babble On
- Going Shopping
- Liar’s Remorse
- The Fruits Of Conquest
- Pros And Cons
