The Vocalist and The Bassist

Seems like Albert is not the only Stroke being productive during the band's time-off. Julian Casablancas has collaborated with Santogold and N.E.R.D. and came out with 'My Drive Thru', a track commissioned by Converse to commemorate the centennial of the Chuck Taylor. Coupled with with a catchy chiming bell/guitar riff, My Drive Thru is a perfect blend of perfectly produced vocal delights and summery goodness. From the numerous reptitions of play of the track, we are certainly missing Casablancas's wonderful drunk-like vocal.

Santogold, Julian Casablancas & N.E.R.D. - My Drive Thru

This pretty much came out of nowhere but apart from Albert and Jules, bass guitar aside, Nikolai Fraiture is currently working on a solo project. Under the name 'Nickel Eye', the album entitled 'The Time of the Assassins' will be released in the fall. Many special guests will be featured including Joel Cadbury, Jamie McDonald, Brett Shaw of British rockband South as well as Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, playing guitar on the track 'Dying Star'.

Nickel Eye - Dying Star
Nickel Eye - Brandy Of The Damned

All these probably mean a longer 4th album delay, but now that Nikolai and Albert can sing backup for Jules, the creative possibilities for the forthcoming Strokes' materials are brewing real nice.