Four out of four stars
The second release from The Strokes is more of the same.
This is not a bad thing.
With more minimalism, more good old-fashioned rock, more jangly guitars and brittle vocals, Room On Fire is a collection of short, lively tracks. According to a news release, The Strokes have uncompromisingly pursued the "less is more" methodology when it comes to songwriting. Compact songs filled to the brim with raw expression are the result. And, of course, they're fun to hear.
So fun, in fact, that you might almost miss the compositional chops and diligent work ethic that went into every track. Simplicity is one thing; spare, skillful writing is another. Great guitar work and effective hooks combine so well on Room On Fire that the tasteful, intricate layering of instruments comes across without making a mess or killing the energy.
Variation is also key to Room On Fire. Though the album bears the distinct mark of The Strokes, you never hear a track that isn't completely distinguishable from the last.
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Without a doubt, Julian Casablancas' vocals kick this band into high gear. Casablancas always seems to know which lines are worth repeating, when to sing lazily and when to just let his voice out in all its scratchy, screaming glory.
The album is 33 minutes and 15 seconds long. This is not because the band doesn't know what to say. It's because not a misplaced note or lyric exist on the album.
