When Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas sings about "putting your patience to the test," a legion of fans will doubtlessly feel like he's singing directly to them. It's been five years since the quintet's last album, "First Impressions of Earth," an interim marked by solo projects and reports of dissension in the ranks. And the Strokes' newest release, "Angles," has had its own frustrating gestation, starting in early 2009 and sessions with producer Joe Chiccarelli being abandoned. The 10-track set recaptures the raw, buoyant spirit of 2001's celebrated "Is This It" but is no mere recast. It boasts fresh intricacies in the guitar interplay between Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi, reggae flavors in the opening track "Machu Picchu," electronic overtones for "Games" and proggy dynamics in "You're So Right." The single "Under Cover of Darkness" and "Gratisfaction" have all the bounce of "Last Nite," while the closing "Life Is Simple in the Moonlight" rides a Church-like ambience. It took awhile, but the Strokes have ultimately rewarded their fans' enduring patience.
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