In the video for "Under Cover of Darkness" the men of The Strokes are in repose in the passages of a deluxe concert hall, watering the eager mouths of the location scouts and booking agents of Gossip Girl. Julian Casablancas delivers his vocals as some cross between Tom Petty and Kanye West—his mid-length hair ajar, he's lazed across a formal seat with necklaces dangling and eyes under oversize shade glasses. When he approaches the group, they move up stairs and on to a stage. The last drum kicks and they turn to smile at each other. It feels like a joke, a smart and intended nod at their ill-sorted past and current profit-seeking peace. In another way it also feels like a sincere thank you, to those who have felt like their friends, who have resisted accusation and judgment and waited for this moment.
