Albert Hammond Jr - Yours To Keep
[Rough Trade]

Looking at the stubbly, blasé, leather jacketed Albert Hammond Jr in The Strokes line-up, it would seem bizarre to predict him releasing a solo album packed with relaxed beats, deep thoughts and pure poppy ambience. However, the unexpected has happened and the results are far from ridiculous.

As soon as the hazy, starlit vibe of ‘Cartoon Music For Superheroes’ kicks in, it becomes easy to forget that Hammond is The Strokes prized strummer, and this is surely a good thing.

One of the most striking things about this album is the theme of freedom and intimacy which is, at times, markedly personal. ‘Scared’ shows some frank emotion and relatable lyrics making it the perfect candidate for a single. ‘Call An Ambulance’ with its whistling, banjo breeziness and Badly Drawn-type rhythm is also a highlight and confirms that the album becomes stronger as it progresses.

The instruments and sounds are pleasingly varied and hard to pinpoint. Specifically, ‘Bright Young Thing’ with its fragile, twinkling riff and ‘In Transit’ with its celestial tones give the impression that Hammond, musically and lyrically, hasn’t held anything back.

With seemingly little effort, Albert Hammond Jr. has re-invented himself within the simplicity and hazy acoustic ambience of ‘Yours To Keep’. Though The Strokes are apparently alive and kicking, his debut solo album is insurance that should it all fall through, Hammond can draw upon his store of surprisingly honest and bare talent as a solo artist.