When they broke into the scene in the early 2000’s, there was no other band like The Strokes out there. The band’s brand of quick and to the point indie rock music had not been heard before that point. Since then, they have become one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century, inspiring acts to have similar sounds, including solo projects of members of the band.
On “Francis Trouble,” the fourth solo album from Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., the artist continues to make music in the same style as the band he is a part of. This guitar-based, upbeat album was something that his band could have released and no one would have thought anything of it. But, this album was deeply personal to Hammond Jr.
According to the album description on Spotify, this album is inspired the stillborn death of Hammond Jr.’s twin brother Francis. Hammond said this album “perhaps emanates from whatever he and the departed Francis had shared for the few short months they had together.”
Sounds like one downer of a record right? Actually, wrong. In this album, Hammond Jr. continues the upbeat and indie rock heavy nature he is known for helping create. Hammond Jr. said that while it is a personal record and the content is serious, the music as a medium “should not be questioned analyzed or taken too seriously.”
This upbeat style of music is really evident on one of the album’s early standout’s, “Far Away Truths.” The guitar riff could have been taken right off one of The Strokes’ earlier albums.
The album continues in a pattern of consistent and well-produced instrumentation, including some nice guitar, bass and drum sounds, with a surprisingly amazing saxophone sound on “Tea For Two.” This album also is very short and sweet, having ten songs clocking in at a quick 35 minute pace.
But, as the album continued, it seemed to get very repetitive, as some of The Strokes albums did. While the songs were good all the way through, it was a bit difficult to distinguish the differences from each song musically. It would have been nice if Hammond Jr. brought in some variety with the structure of the songs, just like what he did with “Spooky Couch” on his 2008 album “¿Cómo Te Llama?”
But, I have a feeling that after multiple listens, this album will become more meaningful lyrically. While a serious topic like this one didn’t always match with the music behind it, I am looking forward to unpacking the meaning further behind the album, even though Mr. Hammond Jr. told me not to.
Downloadable Songs: “Far Away Truths,” “Rocky’s Late Night”
Overall Grade: B
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