The Strokes: "You Only Live Once"

I think I’m one of approximately three people on the internet who actually liked “Juicebox,” The Strokes’s recently leaked lead single for the forthcoming First Impressions of Earth. It’s not that it’s a good song (it most certainly isn't), but it was noteworthy in that it didn’t sound like a Strokes tune; seeing as I still can’t tell the difference between Room on Fire and Is This It?, it was good to hear the band trying something new.

The really good news is that not only does “You Only Live Once” manage to also not sound like a Strokes song, it also manages to not suck. Sure, this track, the opener to First Impressions plays it a bit closer to the old playbook, but the mere fact that Fabrizio Moretti seems to be playing both his drum kit and wacking away at a bike rack with a spoon makes it stand out. Albert Hammond, Jr. rocks out through the Pollard-worthy guitar chorus while Nick Valensi holds down a catchy-as-all-hell rhythm line. Julian Casablancas croons his way through the track like an even-dumber Bono; the lyrics are pretty superfluous, but the random “oh-ohs” coming in the chorus speak to his growing ability as a showman. For once, I am actually excited about a Strokes record.