Tonight's show is sold out and fans are restlessly waiting for the foursome to take the stage. Then they appear, silhouettes floating to their prospective instruments, lights piercing from behind. A roar from excited fans explodes as Paul Banks, adorned with his fedora, steps up to the microphone. Without a word, the band launches into the album’s opening track ‘Next Exit’. Such a subtle tease, but artfully generating an insight into the phenomenon everyone is about to witness.

Shaking off the trance-like state that the crowd falls into from ‘Not Even Jail’, the tried and true are not surprised to hear old favourites as Banks praises the bands hometown in a dark rendition of ‘NYC’ from their first LP Turn On The Bright Lights.  An occasional thanking of the audience is given, but these guys are here to play, and not to the dismay of the fans.  They need no words, just music.

Guitarist, Daniel Kessler, and bassist, Carlos D., are all over the stage, just as lost in the melodies as every ear in the room has become. As Banks tells “Rosemary” what a “great smile” she has, his attentions sway to “Sandy” because she is so “semi-erotic”. The sexual undertone undulates through the admirers.

Interpol is not going to be allowed to end this performance easily. Taking the stage for their encore, they give a sentimental conclusion to the evening with a couple songs reminding listeners of the first tour in 2002. Even still, ‘PDA’ is not going to be enough to send this audience home. 

Relentless, not a single person moves as they take the stage for a third time. The trance-like state is in full effect, again. ‘Stella Was A Diver and She’s Always Down’ bellows from some place deep inside Banks’ body and every mouth in the room. Is this going to be enough to satisfy? It will have to suffice. 

Being humble is not a trait you would find in a band that has had so much success, but the members of Interpol give a mind-blowing performance that leaves you buzzing and they coyly thank you for giving them the privilege. Who said chivalry is dead? Obviously, that person has never been to see Interpol.
(5/5)

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