IN REVIEW: CRX - "New Skin"

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With the release of New Skin, every member of The Strokes has now officially released a side project; after appearing as a guest and co-writing for a slew of artists, CRX marks guitarist Nick Valensi's first proper foray into side project territory. Hints of The Strokes are to be expected here, but New Skin pulls further in both the glossy pop and hard rock directions of his other band. The blend of power pop hooks with muscular punk-infused rock (the latter given a boost of credibility courtesy producer Josh Homme) makes for a varied, quick and easy listen; it offers satisfaction whether you're looking for a singalong or a mosh pit. In the current musical landscape, it's also somewhat refreshing, an undeniably modern aesthetic as filtered through the raucous classics. If you're not scared of getting a little glitter in your hard nosed rock n' roll, New Skin deserves a half hour of your time.

October 28, 2016 • Columbia
Highlights Ways To Fake It • Broken Bones • Monkey Machine

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