- Venerable alt-rockers Interpol have released their sixth LP, Marauder, but do not ignore what your calendar says, it isn’t the early 2000’s again. Gaining prominence in New York City alongside The Strokes shortly after the turn of the century, Interpol earned themselves a loyal following on the backbone of their off-kilter indie rock. Although their sound hasn’t changed, their music hasn’t grown stale. This is probably due to the fact that they are almost incomparable to other bands. Interpol have a unique sound and singer Paul Banks’ voice is so unusual that they evade accurate comparison. Consequently, Marauder still sounds fresh.
The first thing you recognise on an Interpol album is the guitar work. Their penchant for syncopated notes and distorted guitars is omnipresent. Marauder is no exception. Opener, If You Really Love Nothing is representative. It’s a foot-stomper that fans will be happy to hear. Here, the band create a panoramic soundscape with oscillating vocals, drums and guitars that make If You Really Love Nothing a great song to listen to on headphones. Second track and single The Rover is more upbeat. With a pulsating bass line and a repetitive chorus, it’s the catchiest song on the album.
After a long and stellar career, Interpol seem content doing what they do well. Marauder is as cohesive as any album and, though, as I said, this isn't stale, listeners looking for variation will be left wanting and this may be polarising. Fans might be pleased to hear the same old Interpol doing what they do best, while others might be disappointed by the lack of diversity. This is still an enjoyable album, with enough highlights such as, Flight of Fancy, Stay in Touch and It Probably Matters, to warrant a listen. Ultimately, Interpol continue, uniquely, to sound how they sound and do what they do; take it or leave it.
- Jonathan Cloumassis.