Interpol at Alexandra Palace
It’s been 20 years since Interpol released their iconic second album, Antics. Hailing from New York City, the band became an indie rock staple for many in the 2000s, and it’s easy to forget just how many great tracks they have put out over the years.
Tonight’s gig begins with the phenomenal sophomore record being played in full, as the set opens with Next Exit’s rather apt lyrics: “In preparation for tonight/We’ve got so much to live/But that’s not what makes this right/We’ve been building up steam.”
The huge north London venue Alexandra Palace is brimming with fans and getting anywhere near the front of the stage is a job. The dark tones of Daniel Kessler’s gritty guitar strings cut through the air perfectly on tracks such as Narc and the spectacular Slow Hands.
Things pick up considerably after the album has been played, but that’s not to throw shade on Interpol or Antics. When bands play records in full it takes away an air of suspense, and everything becomes inevitably predictable, so there’s often a small sense of relief when the show resumes to a varied setlist.
The epic Pioneer Falls is a welcome opener for the next act, in all its gothic indie glory, while 2018’s hit The Rover brings a glorious charging energy. For anyone who grew up attending indie club nights in the noughties, Interpol’s music will evoke a welcome sense of cathartic nostalgia. In the band’s almost 30-year history they’ve released seven unique albums, and have always managed to set themselves apart from the rest. We can label it indie rock, sure, but it’s darker, moodier and more poetic than your average guitar band from that era.
The five-piece end the set with the roaring PDA, which details, like much of singer Paul Banks’ work, a soured relationship. Usually, the best music is always about love or a lack of it, no matter how hard artists try to experiment with other subjects.
Tonight’s gig has reminded us just how great Interpol are. Their powerful post-punk revival heartfelt songs are a timeless embodiment of the incredible noughties music scene, and the Ally Pally show proves the band have become a blueprint for alt rock in 2024.
Hannah Broughton
Photos:Virginie Viche
For further information and future events visit Interpol’s website here.
Watch the video for Slow Hands here:
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