Reality check: Can Julian Casablancas and The Strokes really save rock’n’roll?

Julian Casablancas and The Strokes, once hailed as potential saviors of rock music, are poised to release their long-awaited fifth studio album, Reality Awaits, after nearly two decades of intermittent activity. The album, scheduled for release next week, marks the band's return to the spotlight following a period of relative silence and internal strife. The Strokes, whose early 2000s rise was characterized by a blend of raw energy and artistic ambition, now find themselves at a crossroads as they attempt to reclaim relevance in an ever-evolving music landscape. In June 2001, Julian Casablancas, then just 22, took the stage at Temple Bar Music Centre in Dublin during The Strokes' first performance in Ireland. The setting was modest, with dry ice and dim lighting casting an almost theatrical atmosphere over the small crowd. Casablancas, though physically unassuming, exuded an aura of quiet confidence, dressed in a deliberately disheveled leather jacket and sporting a distinctive hairstyle that hinted at future fame. His bandmates, Fabrizio Moretti, Albert Hammond Jr., Nick Valensi, and Nikolai Fraiture, were similarly attired, embodying the image of a group that had already begun to shape the sound and style of modern indie rock. Their performance, though brief, captured the tension between expectation and reality. The audience, drawn more by curiosity than genuine enthusiasm, seemed unsure whether to engage with the band or simply observe them. The Strokes played a tight 40-minute set, maintaining a reserved demeanor that suggested they were still finding their footing. Yet, despite the lack of immediate connection, the band appeared determined, their presence suggesting that they were on the verge of something larger. The subsequent months saw The Strokes become central figures in the indie scene, praised by publications such as NME as potential game-changers for rock music. Their debut album, Is This It, released in August 2001, became a defining moment of the early 2000s, blending garage rock with a polished edge that resonated with both critics and fans. However, the band's meteoric rise was accompanied by personal struggles, including drug use, interpersonal conflicts, and a tendency toward self-destruction. Despite these challenges, The Strokes remained a fixture in popular culture, often portrayed as both icons and cautionary tales. Over the years, the band has intermittently returned to the public eye, releasing Room on Fire in 2006, Franz Ferdinand in 2008, and Angles in 2013. Each album brought its own mix of critical acclaim and mixed reception, with some fans feeling that the band had lost touch with the raw energy that defined their early work. Meanwhile, Julian Casablancas continued to explore alternative projects, notably The Voidz, which further distanced him from mainstream rock sensibilities. Now, with the release of Reality Awaits, The Strokes are once again attempting to assert their place in contemporary music. The initial singles, Going Shopping and Falling Out of Love, have received mixed reviews, with some listeners expressing disappointment over the use of vocoder effects and the perceived lack of urgency in the tracks. Nonetheless, the album has generated significant buzz, particularly among younger audiences who may view the band as nostalgic relics or fresh contenders in the evolving rock genre. As The Strokes prepare for their comeback, the question remains: can they truly revive the spirit of rock music in an era dominated by digital platforms and diverse genres? The answer may lie in how effectively they navigate the expectations of both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners. Whether they succeed or not, their journey continues, shaped by the enduring power of music and the unpredictable nature of artistic reinvention.