The Strokes Release New Song “Going Shopping” on Exclusive Cassette
The Strokes announced on social media that their seventh album, Reality Awaits, will arrive this summer. The band shared the news alongside a fan sign-up for marketing texts last week.
Filmogaz.com reports the group mailed physical cassettes to a small number of responders. One hundred fans who provided mailing addresses received a tape that includes a new song titled “Going Shopping.”
Distribution and promotion
The cassette distribution acted as a targeted promotional move. Fans who signed up for messages were eligible to receive the exclusive cassette.
The Strokes used direct contact to preview material ahead of the album release. This created buzz among a limited circle of listeners.
About the new song
“Going Shopping” arrives in a more relaxed mood than the band’s 2021 album, The New Abnormal. The track leans toward a breezy, laid-back arrangement.
Listeners have described the song as divisive. It is mostly subdued, with a brief uptick of noise on the final phrase.
Vocal and production notes
Frontman Julian Casablancas delivers the closing lines: “If you’re better than me/ Then you don’t have to judge me.” His vocals feature heavy pitch processing.
The production choices emphasize atmosphere over the punchier sound of recent records. The result has sparked conversation among fans and critics.
Live dates and festival return
The band plays the second of two San Francisco dates tonight. They will also appear at Coachella this weekend.
The Coachella slot marks the group’s first performance at the festival in 15 years. The return adds momentum ahead of the album release.
- Album: Reality Awaits — due this summer.
- Track sent on cassette: “Going Shopping.”
- Number of cassettes mailed: 100.
- Recent album for comparison: The New Abnormal (2021).
- Notable live dates: San Francisco shows and Coachella return after 15 years.
