Interpol formed in New York City in 1997, and Turn on the Bright Lights (2002) remains one of the defining albums of the post-punk revival — Paul Banks's baritone over intricate dual guitars. Antics (2004) is just as strong; the 20th anniversary Bright Lights deluxe is worth seeking out. Browse Interpol vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Interpol formed in New York City in 1997 around Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler, and Carlos Dengler (joined 1998). Sam Fogarino replaced original drummer Greg Drudy in 2000. They signed with Matador Records and released Turn on the Bright Lights (2002), widely regarded as one of the defining albums of the early-2000s post-punk revival alongside The Strokes' Is This It and Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Fever to Tell. Carlos Dengler departed in 2010 after Our Love to Admire (2007) and the self-titled Interpol (2010). The band has continued as a trio (with touring bassists) since 2010.
Interpol's sound combines post-punk revival, indie rock, art rock, and gothic rock with Banks's distinctive baritone vocal delivery (frequently compared to Ian Curtis of Joy Division), intricate dual guitar work, and atmospheric arrangements drawing on classic post-punk reference points alongside contemporary indie rock production approaches.
Matador pressings of the Interpol catalog have been issued in multiple color variant editions and limited deluxe pressings. Multiple anniversary editions of Turn on the Bright Lights have been released, including the 20th anniversary deluxe edition.
Listeners new to Interpol typically start with Turn on the Bright Lights (2002) or Antics (2004).
