Despite being one of the coolest groups on the planet, The Strokes just can't win. A great second album got fouled on for being too similar to the first, whilst a wonderful third record fell somewhat by the wayside with the critics for being too much of a departure from their fuzzy, recorded-in-a-toilet sound.
Whatever, they're still selling out shows as fast as they've ever done, and if they keep putting out singles like Heart In A Cage, there's really no need to worry. Certainly, this is a defiant middle finger the size of Nelson's column to any idiots who may have doubted them, delivered in the most nonchalant, laid back - and indeed Strokes-like - manner possible.
One of the more exciting songs of their latest batch, it's a high-tempo rocker that careers around with intent much like Iggy Pop's The Passenger, and features not one but three Valensi guitar solos, some very eloquent singing from Casablancas and a lush, crisp production. In other words, it's their most accomplished and best release since the dancefloor swallowing, noughties call-to-arms Last Nite. Seems like there's life in the young dogs yet.
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