Photograph by Jelle Wagenaar

Interpol is an American indie rock band formed in 1997 in New York City. The band's line-up consists of Paul Banks (vocals, guitar), Daniel Kessler (guitar, vocals), and Greg Drudy (drums, percussion). Interpol is one of the bands associated with the New York City indie music scene, and was one of several groups that emerged out of the post-punk revival of the 2000s. The band's sound is generally a mix of bass throb and rhythmic, harmonized guitar, with a snare heavy mix, drawing comparisons to post-punk bands such as Joy Division and The Chameleons.

Interpol is one of the bands associated with the New York City indie music scene, and was one of several groups that emerged out of the post-punk revival of the 2000s. The band's sound is generally a mix of bass throb and rhythmic, harmonized guitar, with a snare heavy mix, drawing comparisons to post-punk bands such as Joy Division and The Chameleons. Aside from the lyrics, their songwriting method includes all of the band members, rather than relying on any given chief songwriter. Interpol's debut album Turn on the Bright Lights (2002) was critically acclaimed, making it to tenth position on the NME's list of top albums in 2002 as well as #1 on Pitchfork Media's Top 50 Albums of 2002. Subsequent records Antics (2004) and Our Love to Admire (2007) have confirmed the band's initial success and turned them into a commercial and critical success. The band released its fourth, self-titled album on September 7, 2010.

PERSONAL NOTE:

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My first encounter with Interpol was when I attended The Cure's Curiosa Festival Tour stop at the Tweeter Center, Tinley Park, IL, Thursday, August 12, 2004. I went there to see the Cure for the third time with some friends and didn't really expect much else. I believe there were three bands scheduled to open for The Cure that night. Had no real interest in those other bands at all. While conversing with other fans and security, the last band was set to play before the Cure came out. All I can remember between conversations and laughter among others of like minds was this driving bass and this voice. Thoughts of Joy Division were obvious but I tried to ignore it, determined not to care. But the energy and the tone of delivery was too strong. I remember turning around and thinking "Who the hell is this??"

Here's a quick review from the website concertlivewire.com

"..Over at the mainstage The Rapture kept things moving with an energetic set of danceable numbers driven by, of all things, a cowbell, before New York hipsters Interpol took the stage for a riveting performance of tragic, yet highly addictive numbers from their debut Turn On the Bright Lights. While vocalist / guitarist Paul Banks stoically delivered his lines as if Joy Division's Ian Curtis had never strung himself up whilst listening to Iggy Pop's The Idiot, Daniel Kessler chiseled out sharp, angular guitar lines, while bassist Carlos D's Teutonic storm trooper look exuded a chilling air of Kraftwerkian theater into the set. As darkness started to move in, so did the audience - as they swarmed to the A-stage to catch The Cure's headling set."

That pretty much sum things up. It wasn't long before I was able to get a copy of Turn on The Bright Lights and been a fan ever since. It's funny how music can lift you, challenge your way of thinking and, sometimes, take hold of you when you don't want to listen.

Their second album, Antics is what some considered to be their best and I would agree. At first, I listened to choice favorite songs, "Slow Hands", "Narc", "Not Even Jail", "C'mere" and "Evil". Then, seriously, years later, I started to really enjoy the songs "Length of Love", "Take You On A Cruise" and "Time To Be Small". Eventually realizing that the album, as a whole, is a masterpiece.

I can't really explain it, but the music of Interpol, uncannily got me through many a personal moment including the lost of my daughter, Jasmine who was born premature and my divorce. Its been a long time since a band had such a great effect on me. The Call, The 77s, Daniel Amos, The Cure, New Order, The Smiths, The Beatles, U2, Vigilantes of Love and a few others come to mind among my list of all-time favorites, where just about every song I both like and know word-for-word. Of course, those other bands and artists will get their due soon....