Antics roadshow

One of this year’s most eagerly-awaited releases, the second album from Interpol, Antics, finally sees the light of day this month.

Fears that it might not live up to the dashing brilliance of their 2002 debut, Turn On The Bright Lights have already been scuppered with ecstatic reviews all round. Some critics have even suggested that it might be a better album; a cursory listen to Antics certainly reveals a more ambitious collection of atmospheric textures, killer riffs and memorable tunes. For the New York quartet, who cite such choice ‘80s influences as New Order, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Cure and The Fall, it’s about building on the strength of the debut rather than fixing something that clearly wasn’t broken.
“We like what we do too much to throw it all away,” says drummer Sam Fogarino. “It’s about growth within the band rather than jumping into some new direction in a hurry. You don’t want to detract from what you worked so hard to build up. People liked the first record, we liked it too; but we like this one a lot better. It’s what we’re doing at the moment and it feels natural; it’s certainly not Bright Lights number two but it’s definitely Interpol.”
The album was recorded in Connecticut with long-time associate Peter Katis, following a hectic touring schedule that saw the band on the road for two years.
“The tour ended just as we were getting tired of playing ‘PDA’”, Fogarino laughs referring to one of the standouts of their debut. “But touring gave us a sense of confidence and the anticipation to do another record.”
From the clipped rhythms of the opener ‘Evil’ to the brooding melancholy of ‘Take You On A Cruise’ and the melodic ‘Public Pervert’, the quality control is maintained at an impressively high level throughout. The difficult second album syndrome clearly didn’t afflict them then?
“The great thing was nothing from Antics was written on the road, which is often the reason so many sophomore albums sound half-baked,” reflects Fogarino. “Some were completed after Bright Lights was recorded and we’d played them live while four songs were in component form.”
Interpol was formed in 1998 by Paul Banks, Carlos D and Daniel Kessler with Fogarino joining in 2000. Their sound coalesced just as a huge resurgence in popularity of New York bands came about. Do they see themselves as part of their hometown “scene”?
“New York is certainly being recognised as some sort of Mecca for bands but I think it’s a matter of when the radio catches up with things. A decade ago it was Seattle, in the late 1980s it was Boston when the Pixies emerged. I feel close to a lot of the bands from New York and a camaraderie does exist to a degree but probably not the way people perceive it. I just ran into Nick from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and I feel kinda close to them and I’ve known Anthony from Radio 4 for ten years.”
With their skinny ties and sharp dressed manner the band have gained a reputation for looking as good as they sound.
“It’s a tough line to walk and you don’t want anyone to latch onto it for its own sake but we want to look good as individuals,” he explains. The music feeds the image. It’s important to a degree but I have to tell you I wear a tracksuit every now and again. Those old mod suits don’t work very well on a plane!
“I enjoy being with Interpol,” Fogarino concludes. “I was in bands before that never saw the light of day. I even remember wearing loud spandex strides back in the early 1990’s but I’d rather not talk too much about that.”

Antics is out now on Matador Records.