The Strokes Preview ‘Future Present Past’ EP With Two New Songs

The Strokes. Photo courtesy of RCA Records

UPDATE: The Strokes’ new EP Future Present Past is available to stream on Spotify.

The Strokes have released two new songs: a theatric new rocker, “Oblivius” and the lumbering, eerie “Drag Queen” that are both set to appear on their upcoming EP, Future Present Past, out June 3rd. The release marks the New York outfit’s first since 2013’s Comedown Machine. “Oblivius” is available to hear on Cult Records’ website.

Frontman Julian Casablancas premiered “Oblivius” on the first episode of his new monthly Sirius XM radio show, Culture Void. The track features a shimmering dance of intertwining guitars and Casablancas’ fuzz-crusted, Lou Reed-esque vocals. But the Strokes leap from this delicate, intricate verse into a blown-out, bombastic chorus that later bleeds into a devastating guitar solo.

Future Present Past will feature three new songs: “Oblivius,” “Drag Queen” and “Threat of Joy,” along with a remix of “Oblivius” by drummer Fab Moretti. The EP was recorded in Austin and New York with producer Gus Oberg, and will be the group’s first release on Casablancas’ Cult Records. The band is also at work on more new material and sat down for an interview to accompany the release.

Future Present Past is available for pre-order on 10-inch vinyl, with limited edition color vinyl available via Cult (red) and independent retailers (blue). It can also be pre-ordered digitally now on iTunes, and on Amazon and Google Play May 28th.

The Strokes will also set up a pop-up shop in New York from May 30th through June 5th at 352 Bowery in New York City, open 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. There will be a special midnight release sale for Future Present Past on June 2nd, while special DJ sets will also be announced soon.

Coinciding with the EP’s June 3rd release, the Strokes will headline New York City’s Governors Ball. They’ve also scheduled a warm-up date at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on May 31st. Tickets for that show go on sale Friday, and information is available on the band’s website.

Though the Strokes have been quiet since Comedown Machine, both Casablancas and Hammond Jr. have stayed busy in the interim: In 2015, Hammond Jr., released his third solo album, Momentary Masters, while the year before, Casablancas released Tyranny, with a new backing band, the Voidz.