Interpol @ The Egyptian Room

Interpol, in some respects, stands up to their international namesake: the post-punk quartet grabs their influences everywhere from European bands like Joy Division and The Chameleons to fellow NYC natives Television. On the other hand, their early “dry martini and a handful of pills” days severely contrast the law-abiding nature of the International Police Organization.

Sitting three full-length albums deep, Interpol performed at the Egyptian Room to a hungry crowd. Since Interpol is known for being a sharp dressed group is was no surprise they appeared in different forms of slim black suits. Guitarist Daniel Kessler, drummer Sam Fogarino, and singer Paul Banks could have all been going to a GQ photo shoot with their tie clips and tailored clothing. Bassist Carlos D., however, looked like a vampire version of Val Kilmer from the movie Tombstone; he wore a black riding coat, vest, shirt, tie, pants, and cowboy boots, tied together by the mustache resting on his upper lip.

At times playful and at others brooding, Interpol’s sound is incredibly refined. Their songs carefully flow like the beautifully weeping “NYC” or thump along like the precise “No I In Threesome.” Daniel Kessler expands the cathartic atmosphere by putting his whole body into the playing of his guitar. During the show he seemed to move about like a marionette, his joints flailing and spinning as though suspended from strings up above. Through all this Paul Banks’ haunting voice floats atop the instrumentation, weaving frank truth out of intricate language and images: “timeless like a broken watch, make money like Fred Astaire.”

Interpol’s live show leaves nothing more to be desired except a bit more banter from Paul Banks between songs. Other than that, the band was superb.


Interpol - No I In Threesome