The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas Has Something To Say

There must be truth in the old saying “different strokes for different folks,” especially for New York garage rock heroes the Strokes.
Julian Casablancas is the fourth of five Strokes to go solo, following guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture (under the name Nickel Eye) and drummer Fabrizio Moretti (with his band Little Joy).

The Strokes frontman’s debut solo album, Phrazes for the Young, was just announced for a fall release. Casablancas reportedly wrote and recorded the eight tunes on Phrazes within the last year.

Jason Lader, who has worked with artists like Coldplay, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, produced the album, with additional input from Bright Eyes producer Mike Mogis. Recording took place in New York, Los Angeles and Nebraska.

Tracks announced so far include “Phrazes for the Young,” “River of Brake Lights,” “Glass” and “Ludlow St.” A trailer for the album (check it out at juliancasablancas.com) leaves a lot to the imagination, but its electronic drums and synthy beats hint that the album is going to be more experimental than his lo-fi, Is This It-era musings with the Strokes.

Casablancas is planning a short tour of the States to support the album and, eventually, a full tour to follow.

In addition to Phrazes, Casablancas is reportedly also working on the fourth Strokes album with the rest of the band.

– Brittney McKenna