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Atypical sophomore ‘Antics’: Interpol elevates the everyday
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Like a repetitiously unsatisfied busy signal churning out of a dangling phone receiver. Like four bored, famished tires devouring the seams in ancient bridge concrete. Like the chaste echoes of a halting Gregorian chorus caroming against the walls of a crumbling cathedral, the album “Antics” by Interpol capers into – and from the depths of – American sonic memory. To the first time listener, “Antics” seems Interpol’s take on the age-old formula of 4/4 verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus, but a deeper foray reveals a multi-layered masterpiece leaving miles of sonorous byways in its wake. Tipping it’s hat to their first album “Turn On the Bright Lights,” the first track on “Antics” meanders through a sweeping intro, setting a pace akin to a stretched, yet relaxed sine wave throughout the ten tracks.
Coaxing from cognitive retention the implacably interwoven notes and tones from city life-grinding gears, airport security and smoke inhalation, Interpol guitarist Daniel Kessler renders a familiar, yet sheer groove, and in doing so takes a half-step in front of guitarist/vocalist Paul Banks’ murmuring voice. Drummer Sam Fogarino thumps at the standard 4/4 with a sensible bit of rhythm bijou and complimenting the hallway resonance of Banks’ voice. All the while, bass player Carlos D. walks under the at-times fussy guitar with demiurgic variation, a far cry from the redundant bass lines that underscore most of today’s retro-rock singles.
Formed in New York, the band reached its current lineup in 2000 and began playing shows soon thereafter, wearing enough black to give the nearest undertaker a run for his money. But, although they are unavoidably linked to other New York fashion-frenzied throwback groups like The Strokes, Interpol can rest secure in the notion that they have a bit more to offer.
The band will make their way into Boise’s Big Easy Concert House tonight, touring in support of this, their second full length American release. Tickets cost a mere $18 and show-starter Blonde Redhead promises to delight.
In the meantime, “Antics” lies in wait at any local record store. A shapely follow-up to their haunting debut, “Antics” appears to have circumvented the proverbial sophomore jinx. This new albums stings and entices like the gin-soaked olives that surely begat some of its darker notes.
Mary Grace Lucas
News Writer
