Interpol — Turn On the Bright Lights

Following the recent influx and subsequent success of stripped down, Garage Rock-esque bands -- which has begun to dominate radio airwaves globally, whilst garnering critical acclaim from such highly esteemed entertainment magazine publications (e.g. Spin, Rolling Stone, etc.) --, Interpol (no, not the 'International Criminal Police Organization' [although if you contact them and inquire about their new album, I'm sure they would be more than obliged to send you a brochure of their services]) has emerged from the dark and industrial rehearsal spaces of New York City with their debut offering entitled Turn on the Bright Lights.

One of the most noticable influences that pervades their retro, post-punk sound stems from the classic Manchester post-punk/goth outfit, Joy Division. Interpol is by no means a Joy Division clone, per se, but they definitely have an air of familiarity to said band (especially in the vocal department;) vocalist Paul Banks has a morose drone that is highly evocative of Ian Curtis (R.I.P.,) but a bit warmer. All similarities to aside, Interpol is one of the more intriguing bands to have spawned out of the garage rock/post-punk revival movement (and most likely going to have the most longevity.)

Unlike their contemporaries, Interpol employs, dark, seemingly stream-of conscious lyrics that create a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere when coupled with the repetitve, droning atmosphere of the music. The lyrics reflect detachment and despondency surrounding relationship woes and other contemplative human sentiments (which are often very bleak and sinuous.) Everything from the hypnotic, semi-jangly strum of the guitars, the playful bass lines protruding under the surface and the the subtle synth washes -- which help characterize a few of the tracks -- completely envelops you, slowly but surely drawing you into the band's plaintive world. From the initial, down-strummed chord progressions of the opening track, Untitled, to the synth embellishment that accompanies track 6, Hands Away, Interpol keeps you locked into their morose musical vision throughout the entire album, and it's grip never loosens up one bit.

Turn on the Bright Lights can be played wherever and whenever -- regardless of what mood you're in at any given time. The music is both elevating and at the same time depressing (sounds like quite a contradictory paradox, but Interpol really does convey a gamut of emotions that would seem to clash ideologically, but ultimately ends up working perfectly.) Despite the darker aura that it's enshrouded in, the album pushes forward with an almost punk rock intensity, and it never fails to cause you to tap your foot to the rythm and hum along to the melodies. This album is highly recommended for not only fans of post-punk, but for anyone who is looking for a band that is poised to leave an indelible mark with their contemporary take on a nostaglic and retro sound. While bands like The Hives and The Vines are paying homage to The Stooges, MC5, Nirvana and The Beatles, respectively, Interpol likewise wears their influences on their sleeves, but have avoided the trappings of sticking strictly to a single formula and not branching out much. The have their own distinctive flare that truely establishes them as more than mere clones of the bands that they draw their influences from.

Turn on the Bright Lights is one of the best releases of the year from an extremely promising band.