Julian Casablancas + the Voidz Playing the Wiltern

Fred Hernandez

A staple in the indie rock world that no one dares take down, Julian Casablancas has always been at the forefront in each of his bands. Ask anyone to name a member of the Strokes and they’ll most likely name Casablancas (while hardcore fans will occasionally name Albert Hammond, Jr.). Casablancas also has his hands all over the Voidz, a side project that’s signed to his own label Cult Records. The band consists of a few members from Casablancas’ first effort at producing solo material: Jeff Kite (keyboards) and Alex Carapetis (drums, percussion) were two of the six members from Casablancas’ live band Sick Six. The Voidz have played various gigs, including Lollapalooza in Chile, Brazil and Argentina; Coachella and the Governor’s Ball in New York.

Casablancas is employing his popsmith prowess for the Voidz debut album “Tyranny.” The release has a warped aesthetic that feels more like stoner pop than his old catchy, upbeat material. That’s not to say this new material isn’t also catchy, because it’s that as well as creepy and visceral all at once — and the Voidz’ abrasiveness is a breath of fresh air for Casablancas. As a follow up to his 2009 solo album “Phrazes for the Young,” Casablancas kept the aesthetic appeal of the “z” instead of an “s” for “Tyranny” but deviates from the bombastic electronic elements in favor of a more methodical, decrepit take on punk rock. [this refers to spelling; what does this mean in musical terms?]

The neat song crafting that Strokes fans were so used to on “Is This It,” “Room on Fire” and more recently “Comedown Machine” has been scraped for a messier punk-fueled ferocity that still remains melodic while resembling a grittier and grimier Strokes. It would surprise no one if Casablancas revealed that he mined old ’80s American hardcore cassettes as inspiration for the Voidz. In the meantime, just forget the past and future of Casablancas — instead focus on the tireless energy and transformative power that a punk song can have on a loyal audience. Julian

Casablancas + the Voidz will play the Wiltern on November 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are onsale now.