Released under Sony Music Entertainment, the track mines crossover potential with a distinctly nocturnal sound, weaving punchy rhythms, city pop influences, glimmering synths, and modern pop-rock textures into a melodic, fist-pumping jam. The song’s concept began with the word itself. From there, the band developed a narrative centered on someone who, despite believing they did nothing wrong in a relationship, comes to terms with self-doubt in the wake of an unexpected romantic fallout. Instead of treating heartbreak with a traditionally subdued or stripped-down approach, NEXTONE deliberately gives “Nagkulang” an energetic pulse. The contrast is central to the song’s appeal: its catchy melodies and driving production choices mirror the restless cycle of overthinking, while the repeated hook conveys the word that keeps playing inside the mind of the storyteller. The eclectic quartet explains, “We really wanted the word ‘Nagkulang’ to feel like it was stuck in the listener’s ...
The Strokes unveil their long-awaited new album, Reality Awaits—their first in six years—today via Cult Records/RCA Records. The LP features singles that have quickly become fan favorites: “Going Shopping” and “Falling out of Love.” Reality Awaits awaits. The album was recorded in Costa Rica with the legendary producer Rick Rubin, who the band worked with on 2020’s acclaimed The New Abnormal. Following these first sessions, the band and Rubin continued meet around the globe to finish the album, wherever inspiration struck. While in the studio in Costa Rica, The Strokes invited director Johann Rashid to capture the magic and create a short film. In Transit: Part II debuted yesterday, offering a glimpse into the sessions and the creative process behind the album. Part II serves as a sequel to the group’s 2004 In Transit documentary. Watch In Transit: Part II here. The project comes ahead of touring throughout the year, including a massive hometown s...