Interpol – Marauder
(Matador)
Reviewed by Emma Hughes.
Interpol are one of those bands which I feel like I should know, but for some reason, I don’t. They have a long and impressive career behind them, their first album having been released in the mid-late 90s. Their influences include many familiar bands such as Joy Division and The Cure, and the band themselves have also served as inspiration to many. So how did I miss out? I don’t exactly know.
After listening to their newest offering, Marauder, I’m wondering that even more. The record is at first engaging, at least from this newcomer’s point of view; I’m a sucker for some good syncopation and this strong, rhythm-led introduction that leads into Bowie-ish vocals laced with reverb make it something that I want to listen to. The recording itself sounds genuine and lacks the often disappointing feeling that too much post-processing in the studio can give to something – it’s hard to describe, but the quality of this one feels genuine, immediately melancholy and after a listen or two, personal.
The second track and first single “The Rover” tells us about a person; but with less than obvious lyrics it begs further thought and listens to work out exactly who, or what type of person the titular character is. Whether you’re the kind of person to try and analyse a lyric or one who prefers to take the music as it comes, though, the track possesses a driving rhythm and is something which can easily be stuck on repeat, its chorus demanding imitation regardless of your own skill as an amateur rock star.
This is not true for all tracks on the album, however, as it is most definitely an atmospheric record – a fact which is more obvious in certain places than others. With two short instrumental interludes placed 6th and 12th in the track list, each feels almost like a breath – a palate cleanser for the ears as the tone of the tracks change. The second is a clear break for reflection before the final track turns and looks back on itself with a rueful, “It Probably Matters”.
Lyrically enigmatic and poetic, Marauder is dark and broody in places, describing characters, interactions and relationships. Musically it is not reinventing the wheel; even as someone unfamiliar with Interpol’s previous work, a quick jaunt through Spotify and YouTube can tell me that this is not a groundbreaking development or huge style departure for the band. It is, however, solid, and something that both existing and new fans alike should enjoy.
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