In contrast to their previous albums, on which frontman, Julian Casablancas, did most of the writing, The Strokes fourth album, Angles,  is billed as the one on which each member of the band has contributed on an equal footing. Perhaps they should have been more democratic in the past, because this is a terrific record that plays to The Strokes’ strengths and also adds fresh colour to their palette.

Always an enigmatic lyricist, Casablancas’ phrasing has become even more cryptic as he pushes his vocals and searches for hooks on which to hang his harmonies, and you sense this is still very much his album. A fantastic release that will appeal to long-time fans and newcomers alike.