Interpol
"Turn on the Bright Lights"
(Matador)
Well, here arrives yet another band from NYC that has it's roots firmly planted
in the British post-punk soil, and why not? While New York counterparts The
Rapture and Ex-models lend themselves to Gang of Four comparisons, Interpol
leans more in the direction of Joy Division and early New Order, though a
broad range of bands go through my mind while listening to this record. The
vocalist has his Ian Curtis impression down pat, though with a little more
control and with slightly less depressing lyrics. Be forewarned though, that
when listening to 'Hands Away' or 'Leif Erikson', you may believe you've stumbled
upon some lost Joy Division recordings…but you haven't. Other tracks,
such as the opener, 'untitled' and 'PDA' delve into the shoegazer element,
while the album's most energetic song, 'Say Hello to the Angels' sounds like
a B-side to Bowies' "Modern Love". "Turn on the Bright Lights"
is not the most original album going, but if you are a fan of any of the aforementioned
comparisons combined with a modern twist, this is the record for you.
-Jef
Interpol
"Turn on the Bright Lights"
(Matador Records)
To misconstrue Interpol's first release as "something that sounds like
Joy Division" would do a great disservice to anyone yet to hear of the
band. Sure they have a tendency to divulge into the cathartic roars and minimalisms
of rock music in that same era, but make no mistake, Interpol is here…
now. The New York City quartet have been transcending their hometown scene
for three years, and Turn on the Bright Lights is a bold, bold statement.
Fans of the late, great Bedhead will find comfort in Kadane-like guitar harmonies.
For the Robert Smith and company devotees, there are plenty of Cure romanticisms
to soothe the saddest of all keys. The backbone of Turn on the Bright Lights
straight ahead 4/4 rock drumming paired with timely and simple bass lines
that mold a groove to be reckoned with. Matador has provided the global music
community with a tasty morsel of rock goodness to satiate all moods, no matter
what you dig. "PDA" will move you, and "Say Hello to the Angels"
will move you all the way.
-Jeff
