The Strokes Debut Songs from Future Present Past EP at Capitol Theatre

At the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y. last night, The Strokes took the stage in their hometown for the first time in more than a year, with new labelmates Rey Pila as openers, to play a sold-out show.

Anticipation was high following the surprise release of their EP Future Present Past last week, the band’s first stab in the studio since their last RCA album Comedown Machine in 2013. In addition to old hits and some surprise favorites, The Strokes premiered all three songs from Future Present Past live and gave a promising preview to their upcoming set at Governor’s Ball on Friday.

The native NYC alt-rockers opened with one of their earliest songs, “The Modern Age,” before surprising fans with oft-neglected songs from their first three albums: “Soma,” “Ask Me Anything,” “Alone, Together,” “Electricityscape,” “Evening Sun” and “Trying Your Luck”—some of which haven’t been played live in as many as 10 years. The band peppered the diverse setlist with their new tracks, playing “Threat of Joy” towards the beginning, “OBLIVIUS” in the middle and drawing their set to a close with “Drag Queen.” Raucous crowd favorite “Reptilia” wrapped up the show and amped up excitement for their forthcoming festival performance.

Rumors of a full-length album and possible tour were sparked late last week when lead singer Julian Casablancas called in an appearance on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show to premiere “Threat of Joy” and discuss the Strokes’ future plans. When prompted as to whether the band would be re-entering the studio for a full LP, Casablancas replied that it could pan out “if the collective will could be summoned and caroused.” He followed up the cautious prediction with a comment on the band’s future live performances: “I think the idea was if we can get our stuff together to do a record, we can do more proper tours.”

Tickets for Governor’s Ball have officially sold out as of this morning, but stay tuned to Paste for coverage and photos of the three-day festival coming next week. Meanwhile, check out the band playing the three new songs at Capitol Theatre below.

“Threat of Joy”

“OBLIVIUS”

“Drag Queen”