Reality Awaits

The Strokes released their seventh studio album Reality Awaits on July 24, 2026, via RCA Records and Cult Records. Produced by Rick Rubin, the record serves as the group's first full-length collection since winning a Grammy for The New Abnormal in 2020. Recording sessions spanned diverse locations including Guanacaste, Costa Rica, alongside Rubin’s Shangri-La Studios and The Mansion in California. The project features nine tracks with a total runtime of 42 minutes and 39 seconds.

Sonically the album merges the band's signature garage rock revivalism with atmospheric textures, art rock, indie rock, new wave, and synth-pop elements. Julian Casablancas employs Auto-Tune as a stylistic device rather than a corrective tool, often adopting an exaggerated English accent to explore themes of aging, disillusionment, and modern existence. The lineup remains consistent with the classic configuration: Casablancas on vocals, Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi on guitars, Nikolai Fraiture on bass, and Fabrizio Moretti on drums.

Critical reception has been mixed but acknowledges the experimental nature of the work. Rolling Stone observed that while the album contains flashes of brilliance, it feels elongated despite its concise structure. Reviews highlighted the lyrical depth and surprising musical shifts, contrasting them with fewer immediate hooks compared to previous works. Some critics viewed the album as a challenging listen prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial accessibility. [edit]