Strokes, the

US rock band, formed in 1999 in New York City. Influenced by iconic 1970s rock acts such as Velvet Underground and Television, with their lo-fi production and distinctive guitar sound they were credited with revitalizing the rock genre in the early 21st century. Albums include Is This It? (2001) and Room On Fire (2003).

The five-member band includes songwriter Julian Casablancas (1978– ; vocals), Nick Valensi (1981– ; guitar), Fabrizio Moretti (1980– ; drums), Albert Hammond, Jr (1980– ; guitar), and Nikolai Fraiture (1979– ; bass).

The group debuted in 1999 at The Spiral in downtown Manhattan, and soon developed a following in the city's club scene. After playing at the Mercury Lounge, they teamed up with US producer Gordon Raphael, who helped define their sound. The Modern Age, a three-song EP, was released by British record label Rough Trade Records in 2001. The group's debut album, Is This It?, was released by RCA Records and enjoyed critical and popular success in the USA and UK. Their single ‘When it Started’ became a best-seller after its release on the soundtrack to the film Spider-Man (2002). The new wave-inspired Room On Fire featured the hit single ‘12:51’.