Julian Casablancas+The Voidz
Tyranny
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

2015 2LP black vinyl in tri-fold sleeve. Tyranny, the debut album by Julian Casablancas+The Voidz, is a sprawling, audacious project that veers sharply away from the polished garage rock of Casablancas' work with The Strokes. The album is an eclectic mix of experimental rock, featuring dissonant guitars, complex rhythms, and a raw, unpolished sound. Casablancas pushes boundaries with a sense of urgency and abandon, exploring themes of political disillusionment and corporate greed. The production is deliberately lo-fi, with a gritty, almost chaotic energy that reflects the album's themes of societal decay. Casablancas' vocals are often distorted, adding to the album's avant-garde feel, as he alternates between crooning melodies and aggressive, punk-infused outbursts.

Lyrically, Tyranny is dense and abstract, with Casablancas delivering cryptic observations on the state of the world. The album's opener, "Take Me in Your Army," sets the tone with its ominous instrumentation and haunting lyrics. Tracks like "Where No Eagles Fly" and "Dare I Care" showcase a blend of genres, from punk to new wave to world music, further emphasizing the album's experimental nature. The Voidz, Casablancas' band, play a crucial role in crafting the album's sound, with intricate guitar work and rhythmic complexity that challenge traditional song structures. Tyranny is a bold artistic statement, evoking a sense of urgency and rebellion, and while it may alienate some listeners with its unconventional approach, it offers a compelling glimpse into Casablancas' creative vision beyond the confines of mainstream rock.