The Strokes
Reality Awaits
As old songs become cultural artefacts and time folds in on itself, The Strokes rotate the lens outwards and inwards. What comes next? The future feels more ominous and isolating than hopeful, and that lack of resolve is the reality we have to prepare for
Clash
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
If Brat was the nightclub, then this feels like three hours into the after party that you never wanted to be at, full of posers chatting shite about “real incestuous vibes”
Far Out
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
The pop star’s seventh album plays around with a number of ideas about her three favourite artforms, along with questions of identity and self-worth. It’s strange to hear her sounding so unsure of herself after the neon-green boldness of ‘Brat’
The Independent
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
Her proper follow-up to Brat is a brilliant, catchy, often very funny look at the machinery of fame
Rolling Stone
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
Brilliant writing that is subtle and clever, delivered with arrogance, irony and self deprecation
Beats Per Minute
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
On the follow-up to BRAT, the pop auteur pivots to a referential, proudly tossed-off rock sound that offers mystifying glances behind the curtain of stardom
Pitchfork
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
Her art dips into legacies without being beholden to them, rejecting references as soon as she invokes them, creating a playful contradiction that feels like her own post-postmodern language
The Line Of Best Fit
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
How do you follow up the album that made you a star – and a caricature? In classic Charli style: with a pivot to guitar and a meta masterpiece about the instability of identity
The Guardian
Charli XCX
Music, Fashion, Film
A candid, introspective triumph that leaves just enough of the dancefloor well and truly alive
DIY
The Strokes
Reality Awaits
With the touch of Rick Rubin, The New Abnormal became a creative lifeline for The Strokes. On Reality Awaits, the partnership continues, less about finding the heart of the band and more about growing boldly with its evolution. Through it all, The Strokes still make New York City proud
Northern Transmissions
The Strokes
Reality Awaits
Some songs fall flat as a result of being built around rudimentary hooks, and yes, the vocals can be grating, but any pair of lenient ears should be able to recognise that in spite of its flaws, this is still pretty damn solid
Far Out
The Strokes
Reality Awaits
Recording in Costa Rica with Rick Rubin – who provides satisfyingly crisp production – the band largely play to their strengths
Hot Press