KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * *
Here's one for the Strokes fans who were left wanting after the New York band's half-good last album, First Impressions of Earth. Albert Hammond Jr. is the Stroke with ample hair who plays his rhythm guitar very high up his body. His solo album has that distinct Strokes jaunt to it, as songs like 101, On Holiday, and Call An Ambulance, take off with a cool spring in their step.
His band for this project is a trio and they have a similarly shabby rock sound to his other band, but there's something more pleasant and clean-living about it, like on highlight In Transit. Whereas the whine of Julian Casablancas adds swagger, Hammond Jr.'s unblemished voice gives his tunes a more boyish and innocent charm. Opening track, Cartoon Music For Superheroes, is like a teenager's lullaby and the chipmunks and rabbits decorating the art work make it the cutest cover of the year, for sure.
But it's a bit too lovely and occasionally verges on wishy-washy.
While there are many great songs here, some sound like they've been sitting around for a while and one thinks Mr Casablancas should step aside from songwriting duties in the Strokes and give young Jr. more of a go, because he's pretty bloody good at it.
Label: Rough Trade
Verdict: Top debut from Strokes guitarist but could do better and must write more
