The Strokes Kick-Off UK Tour

The Strokes kicked off their UK tour in true New York school-of-rock-n'-roll style yesterday, getting the sold-out crowd shimmying in their skinny jeans on a freezing cold Tuesday night in London.

Launching into Heart in a Cage, down at the Shepherds Bush Empire, it didn't take long for Casablancas and co to get the crowd excited. Early highlights included Juice Box - from the recently released First Impressions of Earth - alongside established crowd-pleasers Last Nite and The End has No End.

Having completed their third studio album, it seems the Strokes finally have enough two and a half minute songs to play a full gallant set.

The New York outfit didn't rely on over-elaborate set design, opting instead for a lo-fi lightshow, reflecting the minimalist feel of their videos and album art.

The band left the stage for the first time playing a note-perfect rendition of Reptillia. After a short wait, they retuned to the stage with 12:51 and NYC Cops, which even raised the seated fans in the balconies to their feet.

Casablancas thanked the UK for their "love," alluding to their feeling this tour is a true homecoming for the New Yorkers. They may be considered an art-house indulgence in the US, but in the UK they fall into the welcome arms of the mainstream indie.

Malpas