InterpolInterpol
7th September 2010 | Matador
**
American indie trio turn on the bright lights on their fourth album...
**
American indie trio turn on the bright lights on their fourth album...
Interpol were relatively unknown to me before I wrote this review, but having delved into their back catalogue I have realised they are not that underachieving, declining indie band some people seem to think. In fact, I have drawn vocal comparisons with The Killers and Editors, both of which appeared several years later.
Interpol are one of the bands associated with the New York City indie music scene and were one of the groups which emerged out of the post-punk revival of the last decade. Their typical sound is a mix of bass throb and rhythmic harmonized guitar patterns. They formed in 1997 and have endured a rather twisted career. Debut album 'Turn On The Bright Lights' was critically acclaimed, lighting up a solid career path for them. From that point onwards, musically, they delivered standard material but behind the scenes, Interpol were gradually weakening. Their most recognisable member, Carlos Dengler (bassist/keyboard player), has made a depature (after finishing the fourth album), the supermodel girlfriends have vanished and they have been dropped by their major label back on their orginal indie label 'Matador' because they had failed to reach the promised 'bigtime'. This fourth self-titled album arrives as Interpol are in a state of creative recovery and redefining their identity.
The album begins with the ironically titled 'Success'. This song is highly remisicent of material from their debut, and boasts a subtle arrangement. This is an early indication that the band have come full circle. 'Memory Serves' is a downhearted and reserved song before 'Summer Well' which lightens the mood slightly with some interesting intro percussion and piano. The album's staggering centrepiece 'Lights' enters at fourth and features chugging guitar and strong emotion. 'Barricade' is a catchy and energetic, forcing a break from the bleak misery of the earlier numbers, and is by far, in my opinion, the highlight of the album. An obvious choice for the lead single and ironically, it is a natural barricade between the sorrow of 'Lights' and the desperate deafeatism of 'Always Malaise (The Man I Am)', which is another slower song featuring swirling vocals and an effective crescendo. 'Safe Without' features attractive percussion while 'Try It On' has flashes of Elbow. 'All The Ways' and 'The Undoing' continue the slow-burning but well-crafted spirit of the latter section of the album.
Interpol, on this fourth effort, have made the instinctive decision to revert to the sound of their debut as they desperately try to salvage themselves. It is a dark, brooding and emotionally rich record but I feel it will fail to gain universal appeal as Interpol's great comeback. Despite it having complex arrangements and polished production, Interpol have shifted too far in one distinct direction. The dejected and downcast mood dominates the album from start to finish, with barely any exceptions, making it almost inaccessible and providing the listener little ability to relax and enjoy themselves. It may be admired by some but personally, its one to stay away from the bright lights.
Track Listing
1. Success
2. Memory Serves
3. Summer Well
4. Lights
5. Barricade
6. Always Malaise (The Man I Am)
7. Safe Without
8. Try It On
9. All Of The Ways
10. The Undoing
Interpol are one of the bands associated with the New York City indie music scene and were one of the groups which emerged out of the post-punk revival of the last decade. Their typical sound is a mix of bass throb and rhythmic harmonized guitar patterns. They formed in 1997 and have endured a rather twisted career. Debut album 'Turn On The Bright Lights' was critically acclaimed, lighting up a solid career path for them. From that point onwards, musically, they delivered standard material but behind the scenes, Interpol were gradually weakening. Their most recognisable member, Carlos Dengler (bassist/keyboard player), has made a depature (after finishing the fourth album), the supermodel girlfriends have vanished and they have been dropped by their major label back on their orginal indie label 'Matador' because they had failed to reach the promised 'bigtime'. This fourth self-titled album arrives as Interpol are in a state of creative recovery and redefining their identity.
The album begins with the ironically titled 'Success'. This song is highly remisicent of material from their debut, and boasts a subtle arrangement. This is an early indication that the band have come full circle. 'Memory Serves' is a downhearted and reserved song before 'Summer Well' which lightens the mood slightly with some interesting intro percussion and piano. The album's staggering centrepiece 'Lights' enters at fourth and features chugging guitar and strong emotion. 'Barricade' is a catchy and energetic, forcing a break from the bleak misery of the earlier numbers, and is by far, in my opinion, the highlight of the album. An obvious choice for the lead single and ironically, it is a natural barricade between the sorrow of 'Lights' and the desperate deafeatism of 'Always Malaise (The Man I Am)', which is another slower song featuring swirling vocals and an effective crescendo. 'Safe Without' features attractive percussion while 'Try It On' has flashes of Elbow. 'All The Ways' and 'The Undoing' continue the slow-burning but well-crafted spirit of the latter section of the album.
Interpol, on this fourth effort, have made the instinctive decision to revert to the sound of their debut as they desperately try to salvage themselves. It is a dark, brooding and emotionally rich record but I feel it will fail to gain universal appeal as Interpol's great comeback. Despite it having complex arrangements and polished production, Interpol have shifted too far in one distinct direction. The dejected and downcast mood dominates the album from start to finish, with barely any exceptions, making it almost inaccessible and providing the listener little ability to relax and enjoy themselves. It may be admired by some but personally, its one to stay away from the bright lights.
Track Listing
1. Success
2. Memory Serves
3. Summer Well
4. Lights
5. Barricade
6. Always Malaise (The Man I Am)
7. Safe Without
8. Try It On
9. All Of The Ways
10. The Undoing
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