When The Strokes' rhythm (and occasionally lead) guitarist first embarked on a solo career in 2006 with his album "Yours To Keep," it was generally greeted positively, praised for an alternate direction that demonstrated more than a desire to cash in on a ready-made fan-base. Now his second effort Como Te Llama? is generally being accepted as even more ambitious and eclectic than its predecessor. Again he diverges from The Stokes unadorned and austere garage rock while still retaining much of its rough and ready traits - Strokes style guitar, often distorted, appears intermittently throughout the album, most notably on In My Room and The Boss Americana, while Hammond's groaning, strained vocals are surely an acquired taste. Though Como Te Llama is underpinned by the retro garage feel that also informs the Strokes, here it's as if variety and personality have been layered over the top. With Caribbean rhythms, reggae-style guitar, marching band drumming, music hall style piano and carefully arranged strings all making an appearance, it's a much more poppy and optimistic affair. In general, the pace here is leisurely and relaxed, in particular the 7min19 instrumental Spooky Couch with it subtle, plinking guitar and piano. Even the rockier tunes here (Rocket with its Pixies-esque oohs over distorted guitar and Victory In Monterey with its bass-line mimicking The Breeder's Cannonball) are more head-bobbing than head-banging. Seemingly, where Hammond gains in diversity he wanes in attitude.
