By Hiatus are always an emotional ride for music fans, the return of a band like Interpol should have fans on edge.
It has been a long four years since Interpol’s self-titled album. Band members of Interpol have been busy with other side projects during their hiatus.
Lead singer Paul Banks was performing as Julian Plenti and released two albums.
Drummer Sam Fogarino formed a group with touring members of Interpol called EmptyMansions.
Carlos Dengler departed the band at the beginning of the hiatus and will no longer be present as a bassists on their latest release.
When a band leaves without a set day to return one can’t help but wonder if they will still have the same spark once they return.
Interpol’s fifth studio album “El Pintor” scheduled to be released on September 9 not only has same spark fans have grown to love but also offers slight exploration for the band.
The album title itself is an anagram of their band name and means “the painter” in Spanish.
It is unclear whether the stories in the album reflect Banks personal experiences or a fictional “painter” who is lost in love. Either way the album name and cover art is sleek and appealing.
The album commences with “All The Range Back Home.” Banks smoothing muffled voice makes it hard to understand the lyrics and requires close inspection.
Emotional lyrics start the album “When she wept / A love come over my head / All the feelings / And she wept / Hold me again.” The words are slurred and a bit depressing.
Banks voice is distinct because it is somewhat monotone, but the range in his unique vocals shifts immediately once percussion of the song kicks in.
“El Pintor” showcases an Interpol fans have grown to love, but offers a slight hint of change.
“Same Town, New Story,” The song delivers syncopated guitar riffs that are somewhat funky, which is a bit strange at first, but Banks vocals make for a familiar comfortable tune.
Banks then frustratingly sings lyrics, “It feels like the whole world is up on my shoulders / Feels like the whole world is coming down on me,” which is followed by disorienting music that seems to personify the passage of time.
To further compliment the mesmerizing slow mood of the track chorus hauntingly repeats, “Enter so slowly.”
The release also echoes to their debut album “Turn on the Bright Lights” and their second release “Antics” which are often referred to as their best albums with new tracks like “My Desire,” “Everything Is Wrong,” “My Blue Supreme” and “Ancient Ways.”
The bands latest effort shows that some of the best pieces of art take some time to make and that you don’t necessarily need a paintbrush to make a piece of art that is satisfying
