Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights
2002 / 48:59 Minutes / 11 Tracks / Studio
Release Date: Aug 20,2002 - Matador
Produced by: Peter Katis
Website: www.interpolny.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on September 19, 2002

I love this recent string of NYC bands and their strong showing. Interpol's debut CD release, "Turn on the Bright Lights" is such a spectacular first issue that it bears to say here that it borders on classic, 5-star status. In fact, the only thing keeping this stellar release from that status is time. I struggled with the rating for a long long time.

Interpol has been heralded as a clone of Joy Division but that assessment is an unfair one. I do not deny the vocals reminescent of Ian Curtis but there is much more tribute going on here in such a fantastic original manner that it actually leaves me sleepless with reality checks. Here is what it's all about.

I've been around musically. I have heard this style and that style. I've closely monitored music for many many years, almost from the original birth of rock. Let me say this. Interpol has done what many other bands of this time have yet to do and that is make me feel at home. To hear Interpol at play makes me feel as if I am still 'home' in the late 70s. There are Television bits here, Velvet Underground granules and even U2 sounds here. Interpol have so effectively merged all this post punk of the late 70s and early 80s into a tasty stew of pleasant...hell, spectacular is the word here, updated 'post punk'.

Interpol could have fit nicely into the CBGB's crib of entertainers that sprung from the 70s/80s. This is one class rock album that this reviewer is going to listen to for a long time to come.

The beautifully played "Untitled" starts off the disc with a surprising musically adept signature piece that resonates NYC cool like we're accustomed to. But it doesn't stop there. the Television like "Obstacle 1" rocks the joint and gives you a direct connection to the bands that made it all possible for them. The hauntingly stirring "NYC" showcases a band that is so in tune with what it wants to do and say that it will send shivers up and down your spine. The fun continues without abating all the way through this album of catchy, extraordinary songs that only begin to show us what Interpol will be capable of in the future.

From the power pop of "PDA" , The Clash like "Say Hello to the Angels", on through the many remaining rich and tribute paying songs, Interpol will rock you!!

DISC

This disc is very basic and stripped down. The stereo mix is intriguing and captivating with it's good use of L/R channel splits. Very clear with some fuzzy moments but I think that it was intended given the great sounding mix.

PACKAGING

Here's where the band loses points. With a sparse booklet and no lyrics that is somewhat required on its more power songs, it gives little incentive to purchase the CD to would be pirates that will get great music. Incentive folks, give the public incentive to buy this stuff. Interpol deserves the best that you can muster for their success to reverberate the rock world. The booklet is a 4 page affair with the inside a very cool B/W "Jam" like photo shot of Interpol.

THE FINAL SAY

What can I say? There is not a bad song on this set, not one. This is an absolutely awesome collection of songs from a very good band. Although I didn't give this release the five stars it probably deserved, I'm willing to bet the next release from Interpol gets it without question. Interpol is the signpost leading to the next wave of new bands.

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