Being just 19.. Nearly 20, It's hard for me to say that I'm a long supporter of Post-Punk, but I've always been a fan of the classics and the Experimental attitude Post-Punkers had. Knowing this, it was hard for me to actually listen to Post-Punk Revival, first of all i cant stand the term, we don't need the 'revival', it could be left at Post-Punk, because that's what it is. Just because it's 10 years late doesn't mean it needs a whole new label. Well here we have Interpol from New York!.. yeah.
The album has that eerie feel which today has become overused, but for 2002, used to great success. Interpol have that Baritone vocal style which lead singer Paul Banks uses to great effect in some places. The vocal style has been placed within Post-Punk due to Joy Division's cult status along with the dark and atmospheric image that comes with Post-Punk.
I have been known in the past to mention my dislike of the band, my distaste comes from the follow up albums 'post' Turn On The Bright Lights. Forgetting this my main criticism has been the guitar style. I can understand it being used in some songs, but it is a common use in every track, it's usually just one note played continuously within the time signature, i don't know about you, but this bores the hell out of me. The bass playing is standard at best, drumming isn't innovative or special in any way. At points the vocal work just bores me, nothing special. The drumming does sound advanced in places, but it's nothing special when comparing it to other artists within Post Punk and it's disciples such as The Strokes.
You can clearly compare this album to Is This It by The Strokes released the previous year, which was released to major critical acclaim much like this album. For me it comes down to the band being far too repetitive. I like the song 'NYC' and it's clearly to me the best and standout track. It has a far better feel and release than the other tracks. The atmosphere on this track has been created rather well, with the noted use of Reverb being used to full effect.
The first half of the album features the best lyrical songs as well as the better tracks musically. The last few are filler, with no direction or grip. My apologies to the hardcore Interpol fans, in my opinion, listen to Editors instead.
~Eddie
~Eddie
5.9
