Strokes Looking At September Arrival For New Album

Strokes Looking At September Arrival For New Album

By: Don Kaye

The Strokes have finally begun recording their fourth studio album and hope to have it out by this September. The record follows an extended break for the group and will be their first since releasing First Impressions Of Earth back in January 2006. Drummer Fabrizio Moretti told the BBC, "We've been recording a bunch -- basic tracks are done. Now we're just running around like kids in a candy shop." Moretti added that the sessions have been "pretty much a free-for-all -- whoever has the best idea (contributes) . . . coming back in and writing music was kind of like riding a bicycle."

Moretti also admitted he was nervous about the band returning to the stage this summer at several high-profile U.K. festivals, saying, "It's giving me butterflies in my stomach. To be honest, I haven't really been thinking about the old songs as we're so into recording these new ones."

Meanwhile, once the Strokes album sessions are done but before they hit the road this summer, singer Julian Casablancas will tour on his own in support of his 2009 debut solo album, Phrazes For The Young. Casablancas will begin his run on March 26th in Atlanta.

Confirmed Julian Casablancas tour dates (subject to change):
March 26 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage
March 27 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore
March 28 - Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head
March 30 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
April 1 - Montreal, QC - The National
April 2 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix
April 3 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
April 5 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew's Hall
April 6 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
April 18 - Indio, CA - Coachella Festival