Future Present Past [EP]
by The Strokes
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 105
  3. Negative: 11 out of 105
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  1. Ajpunker1980
    Jun 6, 2016
    10
    Amazing work once again from The Strokes! After a three year hiatus they return with this little gem of a ep. Hints of Joy Division, Velvet underground, Television, and music from the days of yesteryear we get a unique blend of Casablanca's and the gang's new songs! The new style of his side band The Voidz is very dominant here and its very welcome! Looking forward to the LP! Strokes fan 4 life!
  2. Paul_Mokeski
    Jun 4, 2016
    10
    Sounds incredible and and in my opinion has a lot of similar sounds from their first two projects. I feel like it's a weird cross between Is This It and Angles. Either way it's the first the new music from The Strokes I've heard in 3 years and it does not disappoint.
  3. jongabr
    Mar 11, 2017
    10
    Each music represents a age in strokes music
    T. of joy - past
    OBLIVIOUS - present
    Drag Q. - Future

    Amazing EP. Could not be for the critic, but is such great for strokes fans. Keep on going.
  4. anythingevery
    Jun 6, 2016
    3
    The Strokes have completely lost there way, it sounds like they can't make up there mind how they wanted the songs to turn out in the studio. There is nothing catchy on this EP it's just a pale imitation of their first 2 albums
  5. Graham433
    Jun 21, 2016
    3
    The Strokes are one of my favorite bands but like all good bands they stopped making good music. This album is in no way a triumph but it is not the worst. The songs sound more Pop like instead of Alternative Rock. Overall, this album is not as good as any of the albums that came before but it is not horrible.

    3/10
  6. Chris182
    Apr 25, 2021
    1
    One of the worst things i have ever listened to. I never really like the band yet somehow i am still disappointed by this. I cant find a single positive thing to say about this EP.
    Best Tracks: None of Them
    Worst Tracks: All of them especially OBLIVIUS (Remix)
  7. imthenoob
    Apr 15, 2020
    8
    A short but sweet comeback EP for the band that will for sure make fans excited about the new music coming their way. It is great to see the band back together after years apart.
  8. AvalancheBoy
    Jun 6, 2016
    7
    There is something special about the strokes, I was blown away by First Impressions Of Earth, Is This It has become a classic album and Angles has a particularly beautiful sound. This EP however doesn't seem to have the jet of honesty and hunger of their previous albums, besides the new vocal style there isn't much new, its still good but nothing groundbreaking.
  9. EmmeKira
    Jun 5, 2016
    8
    The Strokes manage to present three little gems that perfectly present what they were (Threat of Joy), what they are (Oblivius) and what they're gonna try to be in the future (Drag Queen).
  10. carrsean
    Jun 6, 2016
    7
    Their first release on an independent label, since their debut EP nearly sixteen years ago, The Strokes find themselves at crossroads after a strenuous RCA contract. The result is FUTURE PRESENT PAST: a clever set of songs (aside from the remix at the end) that acts as a reflection of the past, an introspection into the present, and a peek at what's ahead, hence the title. DRAG QUEENTheir first release on an independent label, since their debut EP nearly sixteen years ago, The Strokes find themselves at crossroads after a strenuous RCA contract. The result is FUTURE PRESENT PAST: a clever set of songs (aside from the remix at the end) that acts as a reflection of the past, an introspection into the present, and a peek at what's ahead, hence the title. DRAG QUEEN evokes JC and the Voids, in the semi lo-fi production and Julian Casablancas' lyrics and vocals. OBLIVIUS could've fit snugly on Comedown Machine or even Angles. The most interesting track is the last of the three tracks, Threat of Joy, which has the Strokes going back to Is This It and Room on Fire period of their career. Overall, this is a harmless EP that seeks to give a little something to every type of Strokes fan, from Is This It fanatics to casual fans of Comedown Machine. A decent EP from a band who are uncertain of their next step.… Expand
  11. juanuxsape
    Oct 27, 2016
    9
    The music in this album is absolutely fantastic. They managed to impress with only 3 songs, each with their own sound and magic .the songs are really different, threat of joy goes back to 2001 with it's indie rock style , and drAg queen has awesome lyrics and instrumental(oblivious it's great asweñl
  12. YT_Guyyy
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    Some people say the the Strokes have lost their minds with their latest material, and I can see where they're coming from, but I can't agree with that. I think that 'Angles' and 'Comedown Machine' are some of their best work, along with this EP.

    'OBLIVIUS' and 'Drag Queen' are some of the best songs I've heard this year, and Moretti's remix of 'OBLIVIUS' is also a very well done remix,    Some people say the the Strokes have lost their minds with their latest material, and I can see where they're coming from, but I can't agree with that. I think that 'Angles' and 'Comedown Machine' are some of their best work, along with this EP.

    'OBLIVIUS' and 'Drag Queen' are some of the best songs I've heard this year, and Moretti's remix of 'OBLIVIUS' is also a very well done remix, that I think makes it sound even more haunting and disorienting than the original. Not to say 'Threat of Joy' isn't good, as it is also a very good song, just not on the level of the others on the EP.

    Overall I'd say this is a short burst of genius to keep us happy until their next full album.    … Expand
  13. mellonhead
    Jan 16, 2019
    5
    It certainly fulfills its title, in that it's not particularly cohesive, rather it gives a snapshot of moments in their career. It delivers probably what most fans are looking for with a passable Room On Fire cut -- in "Threat of Joy" (6/10) -- which isn't as good as "Reptilia" or "The End Has No End", but is more interesting than the weaker half of the album. All that aside, ultimately,It certainly fulfills its title, in that it's not particularly cohesive, rather it gives a snapshot of moments in their career. It delivers probably what most fans are looking for with a passable Room On Fire cut -- in "Threat of Joy" (6/10) -- which isn't as good as "Reptilia" or "The End Has No End", but is more interesting than the weaker half of the album. All that aside, ultimately, it just sounds too much like a retread, but given all their recent criticisms, likely serves let everyone know they can still play. "Drag Queen" (4.5/10) is certainly 'interesting' and maybe a breath of fresh air to the many fans who are kinda done with this era, but needs a lot more focus and is somewhat reminiscent of hearing "Juicebox" after Room On Fire -- it's not that they're similar musically, but they're similarly head-scratching... "OBLIVIUS" (5/10) could fit right in on Angles, but maybe not in a good way. Your opinion of this depends largely on your opinion of their recent efforts -- if you were a fan of Angles and First Impressions grew on you, I doubt this one will disappoint -- but to anyone wondering if they have another Is This It in them, I think the message is clear.… Expand
  14. davidpaulmesa
    Apr 6, 2020
    10
    If we found out that they had a full LPs worth of material ready to mix, but trashed all but the three best sings, then everything would make sense. All three teams on this LP are top tier tracks, and does it's job to leave you wanting more.
  15. EmilianoxMQ
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Wonderful.



    At this point, you can hear a band that is completed, finished, wise and with a lot of experience and knowledge in what they are doing.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. AllMusic
    Jun 22, 2016
    80
    They sound more engaged and electrified on Future Present Past than they have in years.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Jun 7, 2016
    60
    There’s just enough to think about without getting fatigued, as the Strokes continue to toy with the sound of their late period.
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  3. Boston Globe
    May 31, 2016
    80
    Finally, the Strokes sound as if they’re having fun again.
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