It’s been a rough week for indie music – The White Stripes, The Gorillaz, and LCD Soundsystem have announced their ends.

But in death, one always finds life.  And the indie gods breathed into the lungs of music with the release of The Strokes’ new single, “Under Cover of Darkness.”

For the first time in five years, The Strokes are putting out a studio album.  “Angles” is set to be released on March 22, but the first single has satisfied rabid fans for now.

The band has made no major change to its successful sound, maintaining its combination of clean guitars and swooning vocals.  The catchy, bouncy melodies and harmonies keep listeners smiling and dancing along.

Lead singer Julian Casablancas delivers lyrics that seem more playful and upbeat than The Strokes are known for, despite the fact that their music has always been relatively fun.

Casablancas seems to have gained some confidence in his voice after touring on his solo project and leaving behind the filter he usually uses to distort his voice.  The Strokes’ songs let his voice shine through with a wide range and dipping in all the right places.

“Under Cover of Darkness” promises The Strokes a return to indie music that is “slicked back and out of whack.”

Allison Siegel is the Print Chief for “The Patriot” and jcpatriot.com.