If I had to summarize Interpol’s self-titled effort in one word, I would use the word: experiment. Now, if I had to summarize Interpol’s new album, “El Pintor”, in one word, I would use the word “reverted” because that’s exactly what Interpol’s done here. They went back to what made them Interpol in the first place, that being less experimental rock and more cold, intense, indie jams. It may have taken them a little longer than most fanatics would have wanted, but four years later, Interpol is back to rebound from their underwhelming latest effort. And rebound they did (sort of).
“El Pintor” starts off with its lead single, “All the Rage Back Home,” which sounds like something that should be in a Corona commercial at first. Paul Banks is no Jack Johnson by any means, but with his lulling vocals and a slow, warm guitar riff, it’s something you can easily take a snooze to. But once the drums and bass kick in, it’s a fun, upbeat tune that will get anybody jumping. “All the Rage” kicks this album into high gear early on.
“Same Town New Story,” the album’s fourth track, is a tune that really impressed me. At first, it sounds like something out of a cheesy Disney spy movie with my 5-year-old cousin playing the guitar in the background, but once it gets going, it really is an exquisite combination of a beautiful musical composition contrasted by its dark lyrics. This is the song on the album that I found myself going back and listening to over and over again. Even more than the lead single. Other than “All the Rage” and “Same Town,” I found that a few of the songs on the album such as
“Anywhere” and “Everything Is Wrong” sounded quite similar. It felt a little repetitive and somewhat boring after a while. That is until I heard “Breaker 1.” This record has a remote Spanish influence to it. And not just because of the Spanish dialogue at the song’s end. The hints of bluesy Spanish-esque electric chords kicking off and closing the song are what really give it that foreign sound. With its eerie whispers “come back come back final warning,” it sends chills down my spine every time. This song is certainly a can’t-miss.
Another tune that really seemed to grab my attention was “Tidal Wave.” Honestly, this song sounds like it could’ve been a B-side to Coldplay’s 2005 album “X&Y.” Not saying that this isn’t original, but it’s not hard to see who Interpol may or may not have been heavily influenced by. With synth scattered about in this epic four-minute long stadium rocker, this could be a fan favorite at live shows for some time.
“El Pintor” is a successful return to form for Interpol. There was never a moment during the album where I was thinking, “Man, I really can’t wait for this album to end so I can go listen to some Radiohead or something,” which is something that was definitely going through my head the first time I heard the predecessor to this album.
I thoroughly enjoyed “El Pintor.” It was consistent, and sometimes maybe a little too consistent, but, nonetheless, this album has definitely proven to me that Interpol is back to being one of the elites in the indie rock universe. There is a well-thought out work here that many Interpol fanatics will be sure to appreciate.
