Interpol- Interpol

New York City indie rockers Interpol are back with their brand new self titled release. The follow up to 2007's Our Love to Admire finds the group exploring other musical avenues while still retaining their distinctive Interpol sound, something that's very hard for bands to do these days.

The album's leadoff track "Success" is a semi-dark, melodic tune that gives the listener a good idea of what to look forward to hearing on the album. Lead singer Paul Banks distinct vocal strength stands out among the sea of guitars and drums on this track. "Memory Serves" is a melancholy, toned down affair that changes tempos rather quickly, but gives the listener a little variety to listen and enjoy in the process. "Lights" is a dark and moody track that features great vocal work from Paul and simple guitar riffs that match the mood of the song remarkably well. My favorite track off the album is the disc's first single "Barricade",  a melodic, up tempo affair that features many of the same sounds found on their two previous studio efforts that will please members of their fanbase.

As we head into the disc's second half, we hear "Safe Without", a mid tempo tune that features a distinct guitar pattern and great musical arrangements from all parties involved. "Try It On" features a faint backing piano heard in the distance that adds a drop of aura and mystique to the song. To close out the disc, we have "The Undoing", a somber, mellow track that best describes the overall feel of the disc with simple guitar riffs and light vocal arrangements that conclude the album much like the way it began. It's very hard nowadays for artists to still maintain their original sound while venturing out into other musical climates, but Interpol accomplish this feat quite well with an effort that keeps their fans satisfied.

In retrospect, a passable effort here from Interpol who have delivered an effort that blends together two distinct sounds and molds them together to create something that both the fans and the band themselves can equally appreciate and view as an artistic achievement.

                                                                                                                            Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Success
2. Memory Serves
3. Summer Well
4. Lights
5. Barricade
6. Always Malaise (The Way I Am)
7. Safe Without
8. Try It On
9. All of the Ways
10. The Undoing