It’s hard to believe that “Is This It,” the debut album by the Strokes, that changed the modern rock scene of the noughties was released ten years ago already. Its also hard to believe that it’s been 5 years since the Strokes released their 3rd album, “First Impressions of Earth” and announced a hiatus. Since then, Julian Casablancas and Albert Hammond Jr. and Nikolai Fraiture recorded their own solo records while the other 2 Strokes remained silent. 5 years has been a long enough wait for anxious fans such as myself for the band to release something as a unit, and I am glad they’re back to form with Angles. To be honest, upon first impression, the album felt somewhat rushed. It felt as thought it breezed by. It definitely has to be listened to more than once to actually absorb some of the passion behind it. The deceptively simplistic guitar delivery from Hammond and Nick Valensi shines on tracks such as “Machu Picchu,” “Undercover of Darkness,” and “Two Kinds of Happiness.” The spot-on drumming from Fabrizio Moretti, along with the incredibly melodic bass brought by Fraiture, and Casablanca’s enchantingly captivating voice equate to some of the catchiest songs of the year, and possibly the decade. Some of the songs are also obviously inspired by Casablanca’s solo efforts, with added synths and effects. “Call Me Back” has no percussion throughout the song, and is one of the albums more moody and almost haunting songs. “Life is Simple in the Moonlight” is also one of the more moody tracks, making for a great album closer with it’s mellow guitar melodies and laid back chorus. The album basically encapsulates styles of the band’s previous efforts while adding new elements to create this catchy, somewhat expreimental piece of work. The Strokes once again prove that they are masters of their craft.