The Strokes are an influential and innovative indie rock band, known for th… Read Full Bio ↴The Strokes are an influential and innovative indie rock band, known for their distinctive sound and cultural impact, particularly in the early 2000s.

Members
Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums)

Formation
The founding process of The Strokes was a serendipitous convergence of childhood connections and a shared musical vision. Julian Casablancas, Fabrizio Moretti, and Nick Valensi, childhood friends with varying musical experiences, came together in the late '90s. The trio's dynamic was enriched with the addition of guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. and bassist Nikolai Fraiture. Bonded by a mutual love for garage rock, punk, and new wave, the quintet officially formed The Strokes in 1998, embarking on a journey to synthesize their diverse influences into a sound that would later redefine the indie rock landscape. The amalgamation of their individual talents and shared passion for music set the stage for The Strokes' rise to prominence in the early 2000s.

Is This It (2001)
"Is This It" The Strokes" debut album released in 2001 under the reputable record label RCA, is an electrifying sonic manifesto that not only redefined the landscape of indie rock but also garnered widespread critical acclaim. Infused with a raw and unfiltered energy, the album became an instant classic, hailed for its gritty exploration of New York City's underground music scene. Featuring iconic tracks like "Last Nite" and "Someday," Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals, Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr.'s guitar interplay, and the band's overall swagger made "Is This It" a timeless masterpiece. Its critical acclaim propelled The Strokes to the forefront of the early 2000s indie rock revival, cementing their status as trailblazers in the genre.

Room On Fire (2003)
"Room On Fire" the sophomore album by The Strokes released in 2003, seamlessly follows the success of their groundbreaking debut, "Is This It" The Strokes" (2001). While "Is This It" The Strokes" quickly became a cultural touchstone and achieved widespread acclaim, "Room On Fire" faced the challenge of living up to its predecessor's legacy.
From the rhythmic urgency of "12:51" to the infectious guitar riffs of "Reptilia," each track on "Room On Fire" showcases The Strokes' continued commitment to crafting catchy, yet substantive, rock anthems. While not eclipsing the commercial success of their debut, the album solidified The Strokes' standing as stalwarts of the early 2000s rock revival, demonstrating their artistic growth and ability to sustain their unique sound.

Juicebox and First Impressions Of Earth (2005 - 2006)
"Juicebox" by The Strokes, released as a single on November 14, 2005, ahead of their album "First Impressions of Earth," faced an early online leak, adding to the anticipation. Despite this, the track's bold guitar riffs and Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals contributed to its positive reception, marking a significant moment in The Strokes' musical journey. They also released a catchy B-side "Hawaii".

"First Impressions Of Earth" The Strokes' third studio album released in January 2006, received a mix of reviews. Critics praised the album's experimental departure from the band's earlier sound, commending Julian Casablancas' introspective lyrics, dynamic guitar work, and rhythmic innovation. Standout tracks like "Juicebox" and "You Only Live Once" showcased The Strokes' ability to evolve while retaining their signature coolness. Despite differing opinions, the album marked a bold exploration of new musical territories and sparked conversations about the band's artistic evolution within the indie rock landscape.

Angles (2011)
"Angles" released by The Strokes in 2011, is a pivotal album in the band's journey, receiving a mix of reviews. Critics lauded its experimentation and collaborative nature, showcasing a departure from their previous works. Standout tracks like "Under Cover of Darkness" and "Machu Picchu" received praise for blending The Strokes' signature sound with fresh influences. While some critics found the album's diversity refreshing, others felt it lacked cohesion. Despite mixed reviews, "Angles" signaled The Strokes' return with a revitalized energy, sparking conversations about their evolving musical direction.

Comedown Machine (2013)
"Comedown Machine" released by The Strokes in 2013, is a unique entry in their discography. The album showcases a departure from their traditional sound, embracing a more synth-driven and experimental approach. Tracks like "One Way Trigger" and "Tap Out" demonstrate The Strokes' willingness to evolve, dividing critics but still affirming their capacity for sonic exploration. "Comedown Machine" adds another layer to The Strokes' musical evolution, inviting listeners into a realm of unexpected sounds and creative divergence. The Strokes adopted a media blackout strategy, refraining from interviews and traditional promotional activities. This intentional approach added an air of mystery to the album's release, sparking curiosity and discussions about the band's creative intentions.

Future Present Past EP (2016)
"Future Present Past" is a 2016 EP by The Strokes, featuring tracks like "Drag Queen", "OBLIVIOUS" and "Threat Of Joy" offering a glimpse into the band's evolving sound during the period between their albums "Comedown Machine" and "The New Abnormal".

The New Abnormal (2020)
Produced by legendary music producer Rick Rubin, "The New Abnormal" is The Strokes' sixth studio album, released in 2020 after a seven-year hiatus. The album represents a return to the spotlight for the band and showcases a blend of their signature rock sound with fresh and contemporary elements. Notable tracks include "The Adults Are Talking" and "Selfless". "The New Abnormal" received critical acclaim for its maturity, experimentation, and the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their distinctive style. The album's release was a highly anticipated moment for fans, marking a successful comeback for The Strokes after their extended hiatus.

Albert Hammond Jr. confirmed, that The Strokes are working on a new album, a follow-up to the succesful "The New Abnormal".

Here are the band members' side projects along with their released albums:

Julian Casablancas:
Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young (2009).The Voidz - Tyranny (2014), Virtue (2018).

Albert Hammond Jr.
Albert Hammond Jr. - Yours To Keep (2006), Como Te Llama? (2008), Momentary Masters (2016), Francis Trouble (2018).

Nick Valensi
CRX - New Skin (2016), Peek (2018).

Fabrizio Moretti
Little Joy - Little Joy (2008).machinegum - Conduit (2019).

Nikolai Fraiture
Nickel Eye - The Time Of The Assassins (2008).SUMMER MOON - With You Tonight (2017), Casino Days (2023).

Clampdown
The Strokes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What are we gonna do now?

Taking off his turban, they said, "Is this man a Jew?"
Working for the clampdown
They put up a poster saying, "We earn more than you"
Working for the clampdown

We will teach our twisted speech

To the young believers
We will train our blue-eyed man
To be you believers

Judge said five to ten but I say double that again
I'm not working for the clampdown
No man born with a living soul
Can be working for the clampdown

Kick over the wall, cause governments to fall
How can you refuse it?
Let fury have the hour, anger can be power
How can you use it?

The voices in your head are calling
Stop wasting your time, there's no one coming
Only a fool would think someone could save you
The men at the factory are old and cunning
You don't love nothin', they know I'm comin'
It's the best years of your life they want to steal

But you grow up and you calm down
And working for the clampdown
You start wearing blue and brown
And working for the clampdown

So you got someone to boss around
Make you feel big now
You drift until you brutalize
Make your first kill now

Yeah, I hope you're following along
That's right

Thanks you people
Thank you

Overall Meaning

The Strokes's song Clampdown is a cover of the original version by The Clash. The song is filled with social and political commentary about government control and propaganda. The lyrics describe citizens being forced to work for the government or "clampdown," with posters being put up saying they earn more if they comply. The government trains individuals in their twisted speech and ideologies, brainwashing young men and women to become believers. The lyrics also mention the theme of rebellion and the government's attempts to suppress it. The judge punishes those who oppose the clampdown, but the lyrics suggest that anger and fury can be powerful tools for change. The voices in your head calling you to do something, stop wasting time and act. The song ends with a hint at secrecy, emphasizing the government's control over its citizens and the difficulty in maintaining individual freedom.

Line by Line Meaning

What are we gonna do now?
What actions should we take next?

Taking off his turban, they said, is this man a Jew?
The authorities are questioning the identity of this individual based on their appearance.

'Cause they're working for the clampdown
The establishment has a suspicion that the person in question is involved in efforts against the system's control.

They put up a poster saying we earn more than you!
Propaganda that promotes a message of inequality is being disseminated by the government.

When we're working for the clampdown
Individuals that comply with the establishment's policies may experience benefits or protection.

We will teach our twisted speech
The government seeks to influence the views and beliefs of the younger generation in their favor.

To the young believers
Younger people who are still susceptible to establishing their beliefs are an important target audience for the government.

We will train our blue-eyed men
Individuals who share certain physical traits with the dominant societal group will be trained to support the establishment's cause.

To be young believers
These individuals will be instilled with a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to the government.

The judge said five to ten-but I say double that again
The punishment assigned to a perceived threat by the court is insufficient in the eyes of the artist.

I'm not working for the clampdown
The singer is not conforming to the demands of the establishment.

No man born with a living soul
It is impossible for any person with authentic consciousness to blindly follow authority.

Can be working for the clampdown
True individuals cannot be restrained by the system's constraints.

Kick over the wall 'cause government's to fall
The government's system of control must be overthrown, and its walls need to be breached by the people.

How can you refuse it?
There is no valid reason or excuse for rejecting the call to action.

Let fury have the hour, anger can be power
Unleash your rage and indignation, as they can be powerful motivators for change.

D'you know that you can use it?
Individuals can leverage their anger and frustration to obtain desired outcomes or challenge authority.

The voices in your head are calling
Your conscience is compelling you to take action.

Stop wasting your time, there's nothing coming
A change cannot be effected by simply waiting or relying on others to act.

Only a fool would think someone could save you
Putting one's faith in external forces to alter a situation is naive and foolish.

The men at the factory are old and cunning
The authority figures involved in the system's workings have years of experience and are shrewd.

You don't owe nothing, so boy get runnin'
Since the established system has nothing to offer you, you should escape from it without delay.

It's the best years of your life they want to steal
People's youthful years and vigour are being exploited by the government, and they must be freed from this manipulation.

You grow up and you calm down
People tend to lose their rebellious energy as they grow older.

You're working for the clampdown
People who once rejected conformism now live a life of compliance, serving the interests of those in power.

You start wearing the blue and brown
Individuals who concede to the authority start to dress and act like them.

So you got someone to boss around
When one becomes a part of the system, they find a sense of superiority in having control over others.

It makes you feel big now
The power imbalances in the established system contribute to people's delusion of grandeur and inflated sense of self-worth.

You drift until you brutalize
As individuals become more comfortable within the establishment, they start to uphold brutal and oppressive acts.

You made your first kill now
The first instance of brutalizing others is a crucial moment in cementing an individual's status in the establishment.

In these days of evil Presidentes
The current leaders of the country are malicious and corrupt.

Working for the clampdown
The individuals have surrendered their agency and are now servants of the system.

But lately one or two has fully paid their due
A few people have paid a price to counteract the establishment.

For working for the clampdown
These people have previously submitted to the system's control and have now reconciled with their culpability.

But ha! Gitalong! Gitalong!
Despite compromising previously, these people may have a newfound zeal to rebel against the establishment.

And I've given away no secrets
The artist has not divulged any sensitive information during their advocacy for rebellion.

Who's barmy now?
The singer may now hold more credibility than previously thought, as the established system is shown to be treacherous and corrupt.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Topper Headon, Paul Gustave Simonon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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