Interpol shares ITS view of the world through a New York City sensibility
By Chris Nixon
San Diego Union-Tribune
February 17, 2005
"We ain't going to the town, we're going to the city," chimes Interpol lead singer Paul Banks in his trademark baritone on "Next Exit," his voice resonating through the opening notes of the New York City quartet's sophomore album "Antics."
Seven years ago, Banks along with bandmates Daniel Kessler (vocals, guitar) and Carlos Dengler (bass, keyboards) found each other in the big city to create the phenomenon known as Interpol (drummer Sam Fogarino joined the band in 2000). Cloaked in stylish suits and designer shoes, the foursome oozes urban sensibility in both their clothing and music.
"I think we're all very passionate about New York City," says Banks from his N.Y.C. home. "We love it and it's home. Carlos was born here and everyone else came here because we were drawn to it. It's where we've made our home and this is where we started our band."
The band rocketed into public perception with the 2002 debut disc "Turn On the Bright Lights," powered by a syncopated rhythm section and Banks' thoughtful lyrics and distinct vocals. Musically, the band's brand of indie rock emits a more methodic approach than most new rock bands, opting for tight compositions over punk rock mayhem.
Delving into minor keys and moody subjects, Interpol owes more to the Smiths and the Cure (with whom the band toured last summer on the Curiosa Tour) than to the Sex Pistols or the Ramones.
Lyrically, the 26-year-old singer's words focus on the intersecting lives of people, be it in the town, the city or beyond.
"People always ask about New York City affecting the songs," said Banks. "It definitely informs who we are as people and it definitely informs us artistically. I write about people, so if the city comes up it's more because of the density of people.
"For me, there are a lot of themes of travel, but it's also about relationships, and the city is the end-all, be-all as far as relationships and interaction. 'Public Pervert' (from the album 'Antics') is actually a story about two lovers who leave the physical realm and are traveling through space as bodies of light. So that's got nothing to do with the city; it takes place in space."
After the success of "Turn On the Bright Lights," Interpol returned to the same studio (Tarquin Studios in Connecticut) and used the same engineer (Peter Katis) to record its second album.
"We went back to the same studio that we did 'Bright Lights' for the purpose of using the experience that we'd already had so we could pick up where we left off," said Banks. "Instead of trying to familiarize ourselves with a new studio and a new engineer, we thought it would be a good idea go back to what we were familiar with and almost have a head start. I think the second album sounds better. I think it was a good idea to go and take everything we learned the first time and go even further with it."
Released in September of last year, "Antics" is generally considered to embrace a more optimistic outlook. While Banks' lyrics and the band's music cover more emotional territory on "Antics," to call the album "more optimistic" would be a misnomer.
"Lyrically, there are passages that definitely have an optimistic or spiritual feel," says Banks. "Musically, I think people sometimes think this is a little bit of a happier record, but I think it's just that the quality of the production is a little more clean.
"The style of the first record, it worked that the production quality was a little murky and low-endy. On this record, the sound came out a little sharper and a little more crisp and clear. So I think the fact that there's a little less murk makes it seem more upbeat, or brighter. But I don't look at it as more optimistic. I don't even think the songs are brighter.
"I was an older person when I wrote the second record, obviously, so it's a little more broad," continued Banks. "There's more of a spectrum."
While Interpol may be proud of its ties to the Big Apple, Banks and his crew also find solace when they travel to our city and play shows in San Diego.
"San Diego has always been particularly good actually," says Banks, who will perform with Interpol at SOMA Sunday night. "I think everyone in the band is excited to go back to San Diego. It's one of those cities that we look forward to because the crowd is cool. There is good energy always in San Diego. It's a standout. I'm not just saying that. It really does stand out on the West Coast for us."
Chris Nixon is a San Diego writer. To listen to sound clips from Interpol's 2004 release "Antics," log on to SignOnSanDiego.com at entertainment.signonsandiego.com.
THE LOWDOWN ON INTERPOL
Lineup:
Paul Banks – vocals, guitar
Daniel Kessler – vocals, guitar
Carlos Dengler – bass, keyboards
Sam Fogarino – drums
DISCOGRAPHY:
"Turn On the Bright Lights" (Matador, 2002)
"Antics" (Matador, 2004)
Five artists on Paul Banks' mind
Death From Above 1979
"You're a Woman, I'm a Machine" (2004, Atlantic Records)
File under: Fuzz-tone guitar riffage and frenetic vocals, along with the Futureheads and Arcade Fire, Death From Above 1979 is one of the indie rock buzz bands of 2004.
Says Banks: "I'm a big, big fan. They are an exceptional live band and the record is really great."
M83
"Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" (2004, Mute U.S.)
File under: Mellow, Moog-inspired French electronica duo whose music sounds sweet and pretty in an orchestral way. They play at Coachella on April 30 this year.
Says Banks: "I recently heard the band M83 for the first time. They're really good."
Frank Black
"Cult of Ray" (1999, Sony)
File Under: Classic solo album from Pixies frontman finds the former Black Francis cranking out a lyrically sincere set of 13 tunes.
Says Banks: "There are some records I'm going to go buy for the fourth or fifth time, certain albums I love and have lost. I'm going to go buy the 'Cult of Ray,' the Frank Black album. I've been thinking about that one a lot."
Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen
Any album
File under: Two of the best lyricists from the 20th century.
Says Banks: "I've been revisiting Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan a lot lately. I've always been a fan of those two. That was my bread-and-butter way back. I've always been kind of a folk fan."
– CHRIS NIXON
