STROKE
FIRST IN LAST OUT
ALBUM XL, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: OCTOBER 18, 1999 REVIEW: DECEMBER 2, 1999


One of this year’s best albums is here.
I’m told there was a long struggle between record companies that wanted to sign the Brittish newcomers Stroke. I’m not surprised. Stroke ended up as the first rock band on the dance label XL. And their kind of rock is far from traditional. The use of technology, both in instrumentation and recordning, is extensive.
They are not the first ones to produce a high tech version of quite classic rock, but they are surely one of the more successful.
Songs like “Internal Call” and “Momentary” are stunningly perfect. Both are included on the debut single released earlier this year and I haven’t got bored with them yet. Stroke is a band that really grows with time. “First in Last Out” is extremely well-made and balanced. Slow songs are mixed with fast ones. Power with tranquillity. Perfectionism with rawness. Melodies with beats. Classic ideas with fresh ones. I could go on, but I suggest you stop reading and find your self a copy of the album instead.

MIKAEL KAHRLE