Label: Matador Records

Released: 2002

Oh, the ever shifting tide of hype.  In the span of a week, Interpol have gone from being the “buzz” band of the moment, to being derided for sounding like copycats of a time gone by.  It beats not being talked about at all one could suppose.

While not being the second coming or anything of the sort, Interpol lives up to the preceding hype and then some.  Backing up their strong musicianship with solid lyrics and a tremendous gift in singer Paul Banks, the band craft eleven songs that switch between galvanizing rockers and melancholic pain.

The best songs on the album are at the forefront.  Obstacle 1 and NYC represent the different tonalities throughout the album.

Obstacle 1 is the track that makes you want to thrash around the room and pogo until you pass out from exhaustion.  Banks’ vocals here remind one of Ian McCulloch from Echo and the Bunnymen, more so than Joy Devision's despondent suicide, Ian Curtis, which isn’t a bad thing in the least.  The interplay between drummer Sam  Fogarino and bassist Carlos Dengler is a treasure trove for the ears.  The rolls and tumbles that the two employ turn the new-wave stylings of guitarist Daniel Kessler on their ear and make them get down.

NYC represents the other side of the band.  Kessler’s mournful guitar work sets the tone here.  Here is where Interpol make their biggest influence know: 'The Blue Nile'.  Most are sure to not have a clue who 'The Blue Nile' are, but go out and pick up their excellent album, 'Hats', and you will understand the comparison.  As it is, Banks is a dead ringer for Paul Buchanan of Nile fame.

As an ode to the band’s hometown, NYC, is a bit of a bummer.  Talk of “training not to care”, “subway is a porno” and “the pavements are a mess”, make you feel happy to not live in New York.  Banks goes on to sing, “I know you supported me for a long time/Somehow I’m not impressed”.  Perhaps it’s not an ode after all.

Great moments are to be had on the rest of the album as well.

Say Hello To Angels is a foot-stompin’ rave-up, while Obstacle 2 boasts the album’s best lyric: “I feel like love is in the kitchen with the culinary eye/I think he is making something special and I’m smart enough to try”.  Roland gets by on sheer charm and propulsion, whilst the vocals are barked out of a mega-phone.

Crafting an album rich in mood and emotion, Interpol have what it takes to move away from their influences and come into their own.  The weight of hype will hopefully not do them in.  Because, in the end, no amount of hype can negate the excellence of what they have accomplished on this debut.

Brett Hickman