Up on The Chopping Block is a band that I’ve been somewhat curious about because I’ve really only heard one or two of their songs on KROQ back in the day. The band is The Strokes so let’s take a look……
Is This It- what makes this debut album unique is the fact that it does have an Indie and garage rock sound yet there is a sort of groove to it. This was the album that gave us the songs “Last Nite” and “Someday” and I do remember them being played on the radio a fair amount of times. As far as the rest of the album goes, it’s actually quite good and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect but I enjoyed it nonetheless so I’m going to give it 8/10.
Standouts: Barely Legal, Trying Your Luck, The Modern Age
Room On Fire- this album probably has the songs that most people are familiar with. This is the one that gave us songs like “Reptilia” and “The End Has No End.” I do remember both of those songs being played on KROQ pretty frequently and I actually enjoyed them quite a bit. Of course this was also when that radio station would actually play good music, but that was definitely a different time. Now originally they hired Nigel Goodrich, who is known for producing bands like Radiohead and R.E.M., however they felt that the music was soulless and instead went with Gordon Raphael who produced their first record. Definitely a classic album for this band and I’m going to give it 9.5/10.
Standouts: 12:51, You Talk Way Too Much, Whatever Happened?
First Impressions Of Earth- I don’t think this is a bad album, but it’s just OK. I don’t remember reading some critic reviews and they were pretty harsh on it but it’s not as bad as what they say. It’s not as good as the first two records however those two were lightning in a bottle. I think the problem with this album is that there aren’t enough “radio friendly” songs, but that’s not always necessarily a bad thing. It has all the elements from the first two records and it’s a decent follow up. I’ll give this 8/10.
Standouts: Juicebox, Razorblade, Electricityscape
Angles- the backstory for this album is an interesting one. There were rumors of the band recording separately. There were also rumors of them not getting along but according to the band, those were all untrue. Whatever the case may be, I feel like this is the album that should’ve come out after Room On Fire because it feels very much within that same vein. However, it’s definitely a step up from the previous record so I’m going to give it 9/10.
Standouts: Taken For A Fool, Machu Picchu, You’re So Right
Comedown Machine- this one feels like their most experimental album. There’s just kind of a lot going on. I mean you have dance, indie, and even a bit of new wave thrown in. It’s not so off the beaten path that it strays from their roots and all of this makes for a very interesting listening experience. I would say it’s definitely the most unique record so far and I’m going to give it 8/10.
Standouts: 50/50, Partners In Crime, One Way Trigger
The New Abnormal- I did read somewhere that people were saying that this is a return to form and I don’t think that that’s the case here. Yes it is their first album 7 years (the previous album came out in 2013 and this in 2020) however it does have the Indie rock sound, but it actually leans more towards new wave with a touch of electronica. Now from what I have read the band had songs written and ideas four years before the albums release. Of course, when the album did come out, the tour was called a comeback however it was short-lived due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a comeback record or a return to form record but rather just another album and the next step. I’ll give it 8/10.
Standouts: Ode To The Mets, At The Door, Bad Decisions
Reality Awaits- on this day July 24, 2026, we have a new album and I must say, it doesn’t really stray too far from what they were doing before. If you ask me if sort of the more of the same and it’s one of those hours, you could put on in the background while doing things. Overall not bad and I’ll give it 7/10.
This was definitely a curiosity review and while I am glad I checked them out, their earlier work is definitely their best. Still, though if you’re looking for something more, unlike the Indie rock side of things and then I would definitely check out their albums. Would I ever see them live?? Well not on their own but maybe if they were opening for somebody.
Final Grade: C
Album Rankings:
- Room On Fire
- First Impressions Of Earth
- Is This It
- Comedown Machine
- Angles
- The New Abnormal
- Reality Awaits
