Being a fan of Interpol hasn't been the easiest of rides in recent times. After two exceptional albums the dapper New York quartet seemed to lose momentum with two records that felt more like obligations than statements of intent. That easy charm and detached ferocity that defined their early work had started to dull and the mystery surrounding the band was unraveling fast. That's certainly not to say that Our Love To Admire and Interpol were bad albums, just that they could have been so much better than they ended up. Apparently actually being part of Interpol has been just as difficult. Shortly before the release of their eponymous fourth album, bass player Carlos D parted ways with the band. This left the remaining Paul Banks (vocals / guitar), Sam Fogarino (drums), and Dan Kessler (guitar) with an uphill battle to fight. With numbers beginning to dwindle and the tide of critical opinion starting to turn on them, the challenge for Interpol to pull things together was never going to be easy.
This challenge has birthed an album
entitled El Pintor. The
wordy among you might notice it's an anagram of Interpol as well as
Spanish for “The Painter”. To follow one self-titled album with
a nearly-self-titled album gives an insight into what was essentially
a creative reboot for the band. Shifting to a trio (using a few
supporting players for extra seasoning) has not appeared to harm them
one iota. It only takes about thirty seconds of listening to El
Pintor to witness this rebirth happening before you. After a
chilly introduction to lead single 'All the Rage Back Home' you get
thrown into the deep end of what this re-jigged line-up has to offer.
Just as soon as the thick bass line cuts through the dreamlike haze
it's all hands on deck, clinging on for dear life as the song flies
into the red. Interpol haven't sounded this engaged (or this
engaging) in nearly a decade. The repeated refrain of “I keep
falling maybe half the time” might be the least likely lyric in
2014 to get stuck in your head for days on end. As a stand alone
track 'All the Rage Back Home' is just fine and dandy, but the fact
that it acts as a palette cleanser before the real action begins is
vital.
If you dig any of what these guys do
(or, in fact, have ever done) you will find it impossible to go more
than two songs without finding something that hooks you. Maybe the
saccharine nostalgia of 'My Blue Supreme' is up your alley, or will
the unexpected proggy aftertaste of 'Breaker 1' do it for you?
Perhaps 'Tidal Wave' is more your speed, complete with the sweet tang
of moshpit sweat for authenticity. No matter which sort of Interpol
fan you turn out to be, this album will sweep you away with its
almighty sense of human drama. These pieces might not grab you on the
first listen but, mark my words, they will get you. The best
comparison for this new material would be their haunted debut, Turn
On the Bright Lights. This is no small compliment given the
instant acclaim that Interpol won right from the word 'go' back in
2002. Both albums share an unshakable, icy confidence that is
downright infectious.
Just as the album starts out strong so
does it end. For a group not known for their glaring humanity they
sure know how to pluck at the emotional strings when called upon.
After 'Tidal Wave' has receded back into the ocean, the hypnotic
strains of closing track 'Twice As Hard' swarm in. It was purpose
built to get a room (or even a stadium) full of people swaying in
unison and singing at the top of their lungs. The song is also a
fantastic showcase for what the addition of subtle keyboards can do
to enhance Interpol's formidable sound. And at that, after ten strong
tracks, the record bids you adieu. It knows perfectly well that there
is no greater sin in music than overstaying your welcome. There is no
doubt that in 2014 the Big Apple's favourite indie rockers are back
on track in a big way. El Pintor is some of Interpol's most
striking work to date and can proudly stand beside their very best. The
gauntlet has been laid down to all of those other cool-in-2004 bands
who have fallen by the wayside in recent years – this is how you do
a comeback in style.
Rating: A
Recommended tracks: My Blue Supreme,
All the Rage Back Home, Tidal Wave
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