The Strokes

Like so many underground NYC rock bands, the Strokes first generated publicity in the U.K., though it didn't take long for their no-frills sound to catch on at home. Paying homage to their influences, the group purveys a mix of Velvet Underground/New York Dolls proto-punk and Pavement-like lo-fi slacker rock. In 2001, The Strokes' highly anticipated first album, IS THIS IT, made it onto plenty of year-end Top Ten lists despite the inevitable backlash against the hype machine that helped put their album on the charts. Their next release ROOM ON FIRE, released October 2003, received many glowing reviews but couldn't match its predecessors million sales. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EARTH, their third album, broadened their palette but received a mixed critical reception.

• rock