Interpol - 'Our Love To Admire'

If you’re still searching for the sun-kissed soundtrack to your summer, this isn’t it. If you crave something with a little more substance, Interpol’s haunting third album is more refreshing than sipping Pimm’s in a paddling pool.

After moving to a major label and witnessing Editors find considerable commercial success by plundering their sound, Interpol could be forgiven for trying to appeal to the masses. Instead, they’ve turned inwards to generate eleven songs that gnaw themselves into your consciousness.

Previous album ‘Antics’ hinted at a more mainstream direction; bringing in Franz Ferdinand producer Rich Costey did nothing to dispel this. However, ‘Our Love To Admire’ actually revisits seminal debut ‘Turn On The Bright Lights’, with darker melodies and fewer pop hooks.

‘Pioneer To The Falls’ is a masterful statement of intent, building into an eerily epic opener. Next, ‘No I In Threesome’ demonstrates the band’s dark sense of humour with sneering lyrical suggestions of “Baby it’s time we give something new a try.”

Not likely to be heard on Hereward FM anytime soon.

There are exceptions to this. New single ‘The Heinrich Maneuver’ grooves to a throbbing bass line, while singer Paul Banks delivers a hook just aching to be screamed back at him in sweaty venues worldwide. ‘All Fired Up’ even comes complete with clapping.

But it’s the unusual ability to carve an entire album without throwaway songs that is refreshing. Although standout tracks are sparse, a sense of progression and craftsmanship encompasses the music. Despite lacking immediacy, this is worth investing your time and energy.

Banks’ vocals still set the band apart; his brooding drones perfectly compliment the atmospheric arrangements. Dark, twisted lyrics of lost love soar over the textured rhythm, creating an urgent yet delicate sound. This won’t top the charts, but should be in your collection.

Greg Rose