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Concert Mon Aug 16 2010
Review: Interpol @ The Vic, 8/15
Sometimes you have to go back to the start to find yourself again. Interpol is doing just that on their forthcoming self-titled album, which they showcased alongside their classic material last night at The Vic.
Interpol is in a period of change, with the departure of longtime bassist Carlos D, and the label switch back to Matador. After the glossy and forced major label debut, Our Love to Admire, it seemed that many fans yearned for the original direction of the band. Live, the band is clearly allegiant to their early material, as their set list was comprised of 68% of tracks off of Turn on the Bright Lights and Antics. Not that fans seemed to mind. The standards are just as crisp and tight sounding as ever, singer Paul Bank's voice deadpan and unwavering as always. Standouts of the night was the wall of sound "NARC" which is still just as heavy and sleek as the first time I heard it live. Also the one-two punch of "Say Hello To The Angels" and "C'mere" got the crowd moving, shimmering in sound and the perfect soundtrack to the warm intensity of the lighting that Interpol always utilizes live.
The new live additions to the band, former Slint guitarist Dave Pajo on bass and keys and vocal addition Brandon Curtis from The Secret Machines, work in perfectly to the mix. And fans wishing for a departure from the previous album can rejoice, the new tracks following the original sound, as evident when they showcased three Sunday night ("Success," "Summer Well," and "Lights"). You can check out the video for the first single off the new album below.
It feels like a homecoming for the band, after a long departure from what they originally were. Nothing feels forced and strained, and live the band seems to not only be refreshed but having fun with both the new and old material. As they ended on a fan favorites, "NYC" and "Stella Was a Diver And She Was Always Down," the crowd sang along, and it felt fitting that the band is right back where they started from.
Interpol plays The Vic tonight, August 16th, at 7:30pm with special guests Twin Tigers. Tickets are $31.50 (about $40 with fees) and are available through The Vic's website.
Adam / August 16, 2010 3:56 PM
I believe you've got Brandon and his brother Benjamin confused. Brandon is not playing with School of Seven Bells.