Interpol seals Greek Theatre season with a kiss
Kevin Bronson on
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You could stand there Saturday night and marvel at the scant artistic progression Interpol has made since its second-wave post-punk milestone “Turn on the Bright Lights” came out in 2002, or you could join the delirious, black-clad masses in convulsing to the New York quintet’s every thunderous rhythm and guitar lick.
Or you go a step further, like male fans did on three occasions, and jump onstage to display your affection for singer Paul Banks, who apparently is the new Morrissey. One of the guys even landed a smooch on the cheek of the shocked frontman, who kept the relationship professional by not missing a word or note. It was the lightest moment of the night from dimly lit stage.
||| Photos by Laurie Scavo
Beyond that, the rousing finale to an excellent season of rock at the Greek Theatre consisted of Interpol flexing its muscle as a four-album, one-trick pony, their cathartic indie-rock being the horse they rode hard and put to bed wet. Beloved bassist Carlos Dengler is no longer in the band (which apparently was news to a few of the fans who showed up), but with bassist David Pajo (Slint) and keyboardist Brandon Curtis (Secret Machines) augmenting the core of Banks, guitarist Daniel Kessler and drummer San Fogarino, Interpol was none the weaker.
They hit their new material hard, and it was evident their self-titled September release had moved some units among the Greek attendees – “Success” and “Memory Serves” were greeted with big roars, and “Barricade” and “Lights” turned into sing-alongs. But songs such as “NYC” and “PDA,” now eight years old, carried more emotional heft, not for nostalgic reasons but because the New Yorkers’ earlier work, with its akilter guitar lines and hopeful melodies, possesses a grander dynamic. If Interpol on Saturday sounded like a band running in place, at least it’s a place that guarantees their fans’ continued embrace.
Openers White Rabbits gave early arrivals 45 minutes of dual-percussion thunder and occasionally memorable guitar and piano riffs. The Missouri-born, New York-based indie rockers, who recorded their 2009 album “It’s Frightening,” with Britt Daniel, bear Spoon’s influence, but with a few more songs like “Percussion Gun” they’ll be headlining joints like this.
Good article, Kevin. I was one marvelling at the progression. I saw them at The El Rey in 2002. I remember Paul was noticably nervous. Kroq was already onboard with a cheesy, tattered banner on the right wall. Everyone knew something huge was about to happen with this band.
Saturday, they were so calm and confident, it looked too easy for them. They have come a long way. 🙂
The show was a joy. My first time in the pit at The Greek!
Awsome review Kevin, and great track on counting those male fans who got a little carried away. I was actually right behind the guy who landed that smooch on Paul. He and a few others had been waiting outside the Greek since early morning, it was my friend’s first Interpol experience and being in the pit I told her would require 12+hours to assure us a good place. Needless to say she fell in love with Interpol and Daniel; who can blame her ;).
All I can say is that it was the best concert I have been to in a long time.
It was a great show and Interpol has always taken a suspension of disbelief for me–since I do find them derivative. But derivative in a really original way if that is possible–all that said there are subtle differences in their albums and this last one does have a more mature voice. They know what their strengths are and create within those boundries. Also I have seen some stinker sets from them and here they seemed rejuvenated. Beautiful night out at the greek. Great pics and review!
[…] it was the last show of the season at the greek, and interpol and white rabbits ushered out the summer in grand style. and while the music sounded great, the lighting SUCKED, meaning even if you were in the pit, it was hard to see all the pretty boys on stage. somebody turn up the lights in that joint!!! review and slideshow on BUZZBANDS.LA. […]
Love Interpol, the newest album is awesome
I’ve been listening to the new Kings of Leon album “Come Around Sundown” a ton since it came out too!
Check out the new single:
http://www.vevo.com/watch/kings-of-leon/radioactive/USRV81000072
I love these pictures, great job!
@Bret, I’ve been listening to this kings of leon cd ALL WEEK. it’s so damn good!