Interpol - Barricade.mp3
Interpol – Barricade [MP3]
Can I tear down the invisible, and made-up, wall between the reader and this blogger? I am a massive fan of Interpol and when the rumblings from a certain LA based ninja that Interpol were playing a show in NYC on Friday, September 10th, the fan in me was giddy in anticipation. No longer did I have to wait until November to see this band. With Los Angeles getting all the album release love, their adopted hometown was slighted. Luckily, this situation was rectified when tickets went on sale Thursday, quite sneakily, for a date with Interpol at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Intimate with an impeccable sound system, this was the perfect way to experience a new Interpol. Did the new lineup and new material live up to the fan’s expectations? I can safely say, yes. Yes, it did.
Before the band of the evening made their way on stage, we were treated to CloudlandCANYON. This noise and reverb drenched slice of rock didn’t sit well with many in attendance, but it was a spirited showing. Mic issues drowned out any vocal contribution. While the vocals are used more as an instrument with this band, that potency was lacking as it got lost in the sound.
I must say, the rhythm section, in particular the drummer, carried this act. Frenetic with a smart understanding of the sonic landscape, the drumming and bass were the solid foundation any good band with loud leanings must have. As such, the band has some potential but any stage-stealing was denied due to technical problems.
So now we come to the band that brought everyone together at MHOW. Interpol hit the stage rather promptly at 10:15pm. As Daniel Kessler made his way out first, it was time for Interpol to make their triumphant return. It seemed like a special night as the members of the band were lively and quite personable, a far cry from their once stoic demeanor.
Kicking off with “Success”, from their latest Interpol, feels like a return back to form. Sort of sparse, the song builds up toward the end with a focus on the rhythm section. Old favorite “Say Hello to Angels” felt right and was a bombastic pleasure to watch unfold. “C’mere” continued the trip down memory lane, in a good way. While the songs may be older, they still feel fresh. The new tracks were in unison with the older tracks, creating a seamless balance to the night.
Speaking of the new tracks, while in touch with the older tracks, there are some great elements that show the evolution of this band. “Summer Well” “Barricade”, and “Lights” feature the rhythm section front and center while adding subtle touches like more prominent backing vocals and key arrangements. Which leads us to the new members.
While we may cry that Carlos D is gone, David Pajo makes us forget about that lanky silhouette rather quickly. His basslines are assured and, again, that chemistry is just present from the start. Brandon Curtis, on keys and backing vocals, aids and propels the sound forward. Subtle changes that push Interpol forward into a new era.
Our Love to Admire might have been a misstep, there are plenty of great moments in the second half of the album that are fully realized in the new album. As such, Interpol only focused on “Rest My Chemistry” for the night. Most of the setlist consisted of Turn on the Bright Lights, Antics, and their latest. Particularly enjoyable was the slow build combo of “Take You on a Cruise” and “Stella Was a Diver” that followed the trio of “Barricade”, “Lights”, and “Narc.”
It was a stellar return to form from Interpol and its newest members. This rebirth was present in Sam Fogarino’s sensational drumming and Daniel Kessler was moving all over the place, his feet keeping pace with his hands. Paul Banks, cracked smiles, confessed to spacing out about the setlist, and made some small talk, calling New York and those in attendance their “number one fans.”
Towards the end of the set, the band focused on older favorites, such as “Obstacle 1″ and I was surprised to hear how forceful “Not Even Jail” was live. It was pleasant treat and as the band waved goodbye it wasn’t final. The encore featured “NYC”, “Slow Hands”, and ended with “PDA.” What more could you realistically ask for?
At the end of the show, I haven’t been this excited about Interpol in a long time. The setbacks, loss of Carlos D, a return to Matador may have been what the band needed. At the Music Hall of Williamsburg, the band showed a sense of urgency. Here’s hoping to a bright future for this Interpol.
More pics, including the setlist, and video after the jump.
Interpol – Barricade @ MHOW
Interpol – Not Even Jail
Interpol – Obstacle 1
CloudlandCANYON
Interpol
