By Colt Langley/managing editor
The rumor can finally be put to rest. Interpol’s fourth album sounds nothing like its first.
Released last week, Interpol takes the band into another direction, this time with more orchestral-type sounds (all played on keyboard).
Though the record may not be as catchy as its 2005 release Antics, neither was 2007’s Our Love to Admire at first listen, but like Our Love to Admire, after a few listens all the way through, one realizes it definitely has potential.
Earlier this year, former bass player Sam Fogarino said the new album was going to sound like their first, Turn On the Bright Lights. Guitar and lead vocal Paul Banks later said that it sounded nothing like the old album to him.
Fogarino later left the band after the record’s completion to pursue other things. For its tour, the band will have a rotation of bass players.
If anything sounds reminiscent of Turn On the Bright Lights, it would be guitar player Daniel Kessler’s reverb-soaked guitar, especially on “Lights.”
“Lights” was the first single to be released off the album back in March. Since then, the band has released “Barricade” as its next single.
The two songs are tracks four and five on the record and could not have a better place in the order because “Lights” almost acts as an intro to “Barricade.”
Something this record offers that the others do not have as much is more piano-driven songs. Songs like “Summer Well,” “Always Malaise (The Man I Am)” and “Try It On” all contain a heavy piano influence.
Overall, the record is worth the buy and time to listen to in its entirety over and over.