Listen: The Strokes' frontman's first solo track '11th Dimension'

What happened to the deep-voiced Julian Casablancas we knew?

Friday, Sep 18, 2009 4:02 PM

Katie Hasty

Listen: The Strokes' frontman's first solo track '11th Dimension'

Julian Casablancas

The Strokes' singer Julian Casablancas is stepping out on his own, and has finally released his first single as a solo artist, "11th Dimension."

Listen to the track on his Myspace site here.

As previously reported, the 31-year-old songwriter is stepping out solo with "Phrazes for the Young," due out on Oct. 20. The set is only eight songs long and was produced by Jason Lader and Mike Mogis.

Fans of rock 'n' rollers The Strokes may be surprised by the multitude of electronic influences on this track, particularly, '80s new wave. Seriously, I would not be alone in thinking that the opening strains and the general beat of "11th Dimension" hearkens New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" ("Everytime I see you fallin' I get down on my knees and pray...").

Even more noticeable is the loss of Casablancas' deep intonation, except on those long notes in the chorus. We keep waiting for those gutteral, sexy arcs, but he's sounding a lot more melodic here, prettier. Why did his voice lighten up?

Make up your mind for yourself: What do you think of the track?