This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
When Interpol vaulted onto the scene in 2002 with their debut Turn On The Bright Lights, everyone remarked on two things:
1) How well they dressed;
2) How much they sounded like Joy Division.
Well, two years later, the boys still cut a dashing Bond-like figure in their black suits. But at this point, any musical resemblance to Ian Curtis and co. is pretty much a thing of the past. Judging by their vibrant sophomore set Antics, indie-rock stardom agrees with these boys. Most of these 10 songs crank up the thermostat several degrees above the chilly conditions of Turn On The Bright Lights.
Yes, their trademark pulsing guitars and pumping basslines are still intact. But here they’re delivered with the sort of measured, groovy finesse that comes from extensive touring. Along with more danceable beats, these songs also veer dangerously close to pop-chart commerciality with their brighter production, hookier melodies and bigger choruses. Heck, a few of them actually sound nothing sort of happy. In other words: They’ve gone from Joy Division to plain old joy.
If they keep this up, they might even have to add some actual colour to their wardrobe.
