The Strokes - Comedown Machine

Comedown Machine is the fifth studio album by the American rock band The Strokes, originally released in March 2013 via RCA Records.

The Strokes were formed in New York City in 1998 by Julian Casablancas (lead vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar, keyboard, backing vocals), Albert Hammond, Jr. (rhythm guitar, keyboard, backing vocals), Nikolai Fraiture (bass) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums, percussion), and since the band's 2001 debut Is This It, the group have been met with widespread critical acclaim.

Comedown Machine was the final release in fulfilling the band's contract agreement with longtime label RCA Records. The band decided to pull a media blackout with the album: no promotion in the form of TV appearances, interviews, photos, shows, or tours.

The album artwork is designed to resemble an old RCA tape reel box. The cover lists the album length as 37:49; the actual length is 39:55.

Reviews of the album were mostly positive; the aggregating website Metacritic reports a weighted average rating of 68%, based on 44 reviews: “Whether you're in an Is This It vortex or not, this is The Strokes and they've returned with their most thought-provoking, strange and sexiest record yet.” said Kieran Mayall of Clash magazine.

The only single from the album All the Time, premiered on Zane Lowe in February 2013, in the lead up to the album’s release.

The record peaked at number 7 on the ARIA Albums chart in Australia. Without much promotional effort, Comedown Machine entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 10 and became the band's first album not to debut within the top three. The album did, however, give the band their fifth consecutive appearance in the top ten. Likewise, it reached No.10 in the US.

This album is a 2023 limited edition reissue on yellow and red marbled coloured vinyl housed in a single pocket sleeve with a printed inner sleeve, pressed in Europe via RCA Records.