Interpol - Interpol (Matador/Soft Limit)

I don't know why I think of silver when I listen to Interpol. The first thing that pops into my mind from listening to the deep voice of Paul Banks and moody melodies of Daniel Kessler, I think silver. Well, this image of silver is very present on Interpol's latest self-titled effort. In 2004 Interpol exploded onto the indie scene with a definite and dynamic post-punk influence that created an instant classic Turn On the Bright Lights. Now, the two albums in between Interpol and Turn on the Bright Lights haven't had as big of an impact as their debut, but still have signified a very original and cohesive post-punk sound.

Leading off with the short and quick opener "Success" Interpol immediately catches the attention of fans of Turn On the Bright Lights with very articulate and dynamic drumming and catchy vocals. On the chorus of "I have succeeded", "Success" marks Interpol's most "pop" oriented song. Following "Success" comes the very dramatic "Memory Serves" that will have fans grinning with pleasure over Interpol's central sound.

A trend that Interpol follows a lot like the rest of Interpol's work is the lack of diversity in the songs. Thankful, this sound that Interpol repeats is very catchy and will turn on anyone who has delved into any form of post-punk. The most powerful of the songs in almost every aspect is "Lights". "Please police me/I want you to police me/But keep it clean," begs Banks with his very catchy and unique vocals. These set of lyrics might be the whole concept of Interpol. Banks always sings of wanting something, but he wants it gracefully instead of being greedy.

"Lights" is like one of those special songs that bubbles up in you and then explodes out a lot like The National's masterful "England" from High Violet. Another essential track from Interpol is "All of the Ways" that shows Interpol most diverse sound. Keyboards, synthesizers and strings make for one of the most dynamic performances of Interpol's catalog.

In a nutshell, Interpol is a very exceptional album that showcases Interpol's unique and dynamic sound in its fullest since their debut. The only downfall from making Interpol an exceptional album is the lack of diversity in songs. The ten set list of Interpol is a very moving and dynamic set that shows Interpol tenacity.

Overall: 8.3/10

Track Listing:

1. Success - 8.5
2. Memory Serves - 8.0
3. Summer Well - 7.5
4. Lights - 9.0
5. Barricade - 9.0
6. Always Malaise (The Man I Am) - 8.5
7. Safe Without - 9.0
8. Try It On - 8.0
9. All of the Ways - 9.0
10. The Undoing - 7.5

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