Gloomy rockers return with blistering mini album

Interpol recorded their new new mini-album concurrently with 2018's Marauder, but have been clear that it stands apart as its own self-contained document. It certainly marks a switch-up from the earlier LP's brooding cadences, the title track opening with a distorted howl from singer Paul Banks and machine-processed riffs courtesy of Daniel Kessler.

Having lost their way in the late 2000s following the departure of bass player Carlos Dengler, Interpol have been back to their best recently. That resurgence continues with 'No Big Deal', a stripped-down artefact that feels of a piece with the tumultuous melancholy that defined the group's early work.

The arguable centrepiece, though, is 'The Weekend', a baroque belter that indicates Interpol's latter day relationship with Flaming Lips producer David Fridmann has brought out something new in the band. It's just five songs but Fine Mess suggests Interpol's rebirth is going from strength to strength.

Album is out now.