New York-based rock band the Strokes released their seventh studio album, “Reality Awaits,” marking their return after a significant hiatus following their 2020 record, “The New Abnormal.” Produced again by Rick Rubin, who has guided the band in balancing classic songwriting with creative exploration, the new album diverges sharply from their earlier, more conventional sound, embracing a high degree of experimentation.

“Reality Awaits” departs from the compact, garage-rock style that characterized much of their past work. Instead, it features extensive use of pitch-shifting vocal effects, prominently drawing on AutoTune technology. This approach significantly alters lead singer Julian Casablancas’s voice, resulting in a robotic, electronically manipulated sound that is likely to divide listeners, particularly those who favor the band’s traditional style. The opening track, “Psycho S—,” sets a tone of dirge-like tempos and obscured melodies, pairing heavily processed vocals with a dynamic guitar solo and an emotionally charged climax.

The album continues with tracks such as “Dine N’Dash,” which blends cryptic lyrics with dark thematic elements and a distinct vocal delivery that varies from gritty crooning to distorted electronic quivers. Casablancas’s lyrics throughout the album oscillate between humorous, self-aware moments and elusive, arch expressions, adding layers of complexity to the record. “Lonely in the Future” stands out as a more straightforward composition, with Casablancas reflecting on the band’s past and signaling a conscious move away from replicating earlier successes. The track’s eerie guitar harmonies contrast sharply with the purposely grating vocal effects.

Few songs on “Reality Awaits” break the dominant slow tempos and processed vocals, offering contrast through livelier rhythms or catchier melodies. “Going to Babble On” introduces a faster, guitar-driven pace reminiscent of early 1980s pop, while “Going Shopping” provides a whimsical, lighthearted interlude with playful lyrics depicting everyday scenes. The album closes with “Tyrants of the Mellow Moon,” a continuation of the electronic vocal experimentation set against looping chord progressions and unusual synth sounds.

Casablancas’s exploration of technology-driven music parallels his work with his side project, the Voidz, whose 2024 album “Like All Before You” shares a similarly avant-garde sensibility. However, “Reality Awaits” is the most unconventional record released under the Strokes name, challenging longtime fans who expect a more focused, guitar-centered rock sound. In a music landscape where many established artists revisit familiar territory, the Strokes’ willingness to reinvent themselves and embrace risk distinguishes the album as a bold if sometimes difficult effort.

While the album’s unusual aesthetic may not appeal to all, it offers a fresh perspective on the band’s evolution and creative freedom, demonstrating their readiness to push boundaries rather than prioritize commercial expectations.