Post by Zapp Brannigan on Feb 24, 2011 16:51:22 GMT -5
lifessweetbreath.com/features/7-interpol-live-in-new-york-city.html
From one gig to the next, Interpol continues to awe audiences, leaving no doubt these indie rock icons are back and here to stay. Perhaps at as fitting a venue as any, the Radio City Music Hall saw this quintet’s homecoming last Thursday- and suffice it to say, they solidified for us devoted fans that skipping out of work early to catch them was certainly the right move. It’s always a pleasure to see a band from your hometown represent all that is right in music- passion, authenticity, and an uncanny ability to play your instrument. These guys had everything going, in a night unlike many of Interpol’s previous shows. For as melancholy and despondent as they can sound, Thursday night’s show proved to depict a new style and era for the band. One that left the crowd enamored as ever.
Paul Banks, lead singer and guitarist, was as poignant as ever, seemingly hitting every vox note we’ve become so accustomed to hearing, but also adding in a fresh dynamic to his voice that was both refreshing and innovative. Beginning the night with one of their new hits “Success” was a treat for many in the audience, as it would be their first listen of a truly buoyant song. Keeping the old-school fans happy with timeless hits like “PDA,” “Evil,” and “Rest My Chemistry,” not a single viewer was left with any doubt over the distinctive talent Interpol possesses.
Yet even with the contagious, captivating sounds being heard, the most impressive attribute of Interpol on this night may have been the eclectic crowd that traveled from all over to come see them play. Americans, believe it or not, may have been the minority to a fervent group of Mexicans- some who had made the grueling trek to New York just nights before- who populated Radio City and reminded Banks he’s more than welcomed back in their home country. Two girls, who had left Mexico for the semester to study at FIT, were delighted upon seeing Interpol for the first time, claiming “there really is nothing better.” Their opinion was a summation of the night, to say the least. As is accustomed at Radio City, people from all walks of life, from different corners of the world, come to this legendary venue to take in a piece of history and enjoy the spectacle that is New York City and its bright lights. On this night, Radio City was the place to be if you were interested in seeing perhaps one of the most talented, distinguished bands of the last decade.
There’s just something about Interpol that beckons cool. They have a way of- if only for a night- making New Yorkers nostalgic of a time when Manhattan was still representative of the coolest borough. A time when post-punk bands like themselves and the Strokes were fresh to our ears; when Williamsburg, Brooklyn wasn’t overrun with aspiring “hipsters” implementing the current regime of beatnik society. So to be immersed in an aura of Interpol’s rugged swagger is more than just a privilege, it’s integral to maintain sanity! Daniel Kessler, the band’s lead guitarist, is one reason to still have faith in this era overridden by musical impostors (hipsters.) He has a way of playing his guitar that’s both genuine and divine. A skill that’s hard to come by in an age where electronic music seems to be the pioneering source of all that is content in music. Watching him play through songs like “NYC,”- a crowd favorite, obviously- and “Lights,” was an opportunity to witness a true artist thoughtfully performing his craft. There was not a single superficial moment; every sound was cultivated from a musical inclination that has separated this band from others since its inception. Making their performances a rarity among present-day acts, and a special occurrence for those who appreciate musicians with the capacity to produce something truly classical.
Not known for “dancing” music, Interpol sure got the place moving without even breaking a sweat. Most of this newly implemented dynamic of Interpol can be traced back to Sam Fogarino’s absurd talent on the drums, an ability that was on full display last Thursday, for all of us to witness. The energy was palpable. There were many moments throughout the show where not a single person was seated- creating what was to be a dance party of epic proportions. However, an Interpol dance party isn’t like going to the local club and feverishly displaying wild antics, posing them off as dance moves. As Interpol performs with class and solidarity, so does the crowd when moving to their music. Many who had come in elegant attire- as is the case when attending Interpol shows- danced contently in their seats, not having to bust a wild move or dust their shoulder off to impress. All of us found gratification playing either the air guitar along with Kessler and Banks, or rocking out on imaginary drums, envisioning our seats as Fogarino’s drum kit. And as Interpol embodies the kind of unity most bands strive for, us in the audience embraced that harmony and made sure it resonated throughout the evening. We accepted one another, whether from New York, Chicago, or even Mexico, we were all there for the same reason, and we all celebrated as one collective group of avid fans.
To end the evening, Interpol defied preconceived notions of an ideal setlist. Ending the night with monumental hits “Obstacle 1,” “Slow Hands,” and concluding the evening with “Not Even Jail,” a song whose power seems to bear no limits. With arms around one another, we all sang together with the band as Banks, Kessler, and Fogarino- with the help of two new members, David Pajo, and Brandon Curtis- collaborated on a finale that was nothing short of amazing. And what was to close the evening for good, was what the fans wanted most. Banks after waving goodbye to his beloved fans and walking backstage, came back, seemingly forgetting something. He grabbed the mic one last time and uttered the words of sincere, compassionate thanks: “Guys, you’re the best. If we could, we’d perform here every night, you were all unbelievable.” We assure you, the feeling is mutual.
-Conor Febos, February 23, 2011
From one gig to the next, Interpol continues to awe audiences, leaving no doubt these indie rock icons are back and here to stay. Perhaps at as fitting a venue as any, the Radio City Music Hall saw this quintet’s homecoming last Thursday- and suffice it to say, they solidified for us devoted fans that skipping out of work early to catch them was certainly the right move. It’s always a pleasure to see a band from your hometown represent all that is right in music- passion, authenticity, and an uncanny ability to play your instrument. These guys had everything going, in a night unlike many of Interpol’s previous shows. For as melancholy and despondent as they can sound, Thursday night’s show proved to depict a new style and era for the band. One that left the crowd enamored as ever.
Paul Banks, lead singer and guitarist, was as poignant as ever, seemingly hitting every vox note we’ve become so accustomed to hearing, but also adding in a fresh dynamic to his voice that was both refreshing and innovative. Beginning the night with one of their new hits “Success” was a treat for many in the audience, as it would be their first listen of a truly buoyant song. Keeping the old-school fans happy with timeless hits like “PDA,” “Evil,” and “Rest My Chemistry,” not a single viewer was left with any doubt over the distinctive talent Interpol possesses.
Yet even with the contagious, captivating sounds being heard, the most impressive attribute of Interpol on this night may have been the eclectic crowd that traveled from all over to come see them play. Americans, believe it or not, may have been the minority to a fervent group of Mexicans- some who had made the grueling trek to New York just nights before- who populated Radio City and reminded Banks he’s more than welcomed back in their home country. Two girls, who had left Mexico for the semester to study at FIT, were delighted upon seeing Interpol for the first time, claiming “there really is nothing better.” Their opinion was a summation of the night, to say the least. As is accustomed at Radio City, people from all walks of life, from different corners of the world, come to this legendary venue to take in a piece of history and enjoy the spectacle that is New York City and its bright lights. On this night, Radio City was the place to be if you were interested in seeing perhaps one of the most talented, distinguished bands of the last decade.
There’s just something about Interpol that beckons cool. They have a way of- if only for a night- making New Yorkers nostalgic of a time when Manhattan was still representative of the coolest borough. A time when post-punk bands like themselves and the Strokes were fresh to our ears; when Williamsburg, Brooklyn wasn’t overrun with aspiring “hipsters” implementing the current regime of beatnik society. So to be immersed in an aura of Interpol’s rugged swagger is more than just a privilege, it’s integral to maintain sanity! Daniel Kessler, the band’s lead guitarist, is one reason to still have faith in this era overridden by musical impostors (hipsters.) He has a way of playing his guitar that’s both genuine and divine. A skill that’s hard to come by in an age where electronic music seems to be the pioneering source of all that is content in music. Watching him play through songs like “NYC,”- a crowd favorite, obviously- and “Lights,” was an opportunity to witness a true artist thoughtfully performing his craft. There was not a single superficial moment; every sound was cultivated from a musical inclination that has separated this band from others since its inception. Making their performances a rarity among present-day acts, and a special occurrence for those who appreciate musicians with the capacity to produce something truly classical.
Not known for “dancing” music, Interpol sure got the place moving without even breaking a sweat. Most of this newly implemented dynamic of Interpol can be traced back to Sam Fogarino’s absurd talent on the drums, an ability that was on full display last Thursday, for all of us to witness. The energy was palpable. There were many moments throughout the show where not a single person was seated- creating what was to be a dance party of epic proportions. However, an Interpol dance party isn’t like going to the local club and feverishly displaying wild antics, posing them off as dance moves. As Interpol performs with class and solidarity, so does the crowd when moving to their music. Many who had come in elegant attire- as is the case when attending Interpol shows- danced contently in their seats, not having to bust a wild move or dust their shoulder off to impress. All of us found gratification playing either the air guitar along with Kessler and Banks, or rocking out on imaginary drums, envisioning our seats as Fogarino’s drum kit. And as Interpol embodies the kind of unity most bands strive for, us in the audience embraced that harmony and made sure it resonated throughout the evening. We accepted one another, whether from New York, Chicago, or even Mexico, we were all there for the same reason, and we all celebrated as one collective group of avid fans.
To end the evening, Interpol defied preconceived notions of an ideal setlist. Ending the night with monumental hits “Obstacle 1,” “Slow Hands,” and concluding the evening with “Not Even Jail,” a song whose power seems to bear no limits. With arms around one another, we all sang together with the band as Banks, Kessler, and Fogarino- with the help of two new members, David Pajo, and Brandon Curtis- collaborated on a finale that was nothing short of amazing. And what was to close the evening for good, was what the fans wanted most. Banks after waving goodbye to his beloved fans and walking backstage, came back, seemingly forgetting something. He grabbed the mic one last time and uttered the words of sincere, compassionate thanks: “Guys, you’re the best. If we could, we’d perform here every night, you were all unbelievable.” We assure you, the feeling is mutual.
-Conor Febos, February 23, 2011