Interpol @ the Forum, 10/23/07

It has been only a few months since Interpol rolled through SoCal, but in that period that have released the fantastic new album Our Love To Admire and now feature tracks from it prominently in their set. It is hard to find a band with a presence (or as well dressed) on stage as strong as that of Interpol. Their atmospheric sounds resonated off the arena walls and an air of coolness was emitted from Paul Banks deep baritone voice as they performed to a mostly full Forum Tuesday evening. It was not a dance concert, but a concert of moods and sonic achievement.

Yes there are fast paced, dance-ish tracks, but they are of the more toe-tapping type. The band's goal is not to make you dance, but to showcase their exceptionally developed sound. From Carlos D's surging bass lines, drummer Sam Fogarino's percussion work to Daniel Kessler's sweeping and reaching riffs the band is the epitome of cool. Banks is stoic at the front, his energy is propelled through his deep, almost eerie voice. There is never a song that feels disjointed or out of place in the set.

After nearly six years of touring, the band knows how to put together a great set list. Most bands lean heavily toward new tracks off their just released albums but Interpol seamlessly integrate their new songs with the old. While Our Love... shows steps of evolution as a band, the live performances of these tracks show the band is still firmly rooted in their sound. Lead single "Heinrich Maneuver" fits in right along older tracks "Slow Hands" and "PDA"; newer tracks "Pioneer to the Falls" and "the Lighthouse" are companions to "NYC" and "Untitled." The all share similar traits and sounds but are each unique in their own right.

Their sound taking its foundation heavily from Ian Curtis and Joy Division is superb live. Broad, moody and always in sync, the concert was a display of a band that is in complete command of their sound and embracing it and the same time. Their older tracks showcase the Joy Division influence heavily while the new tracks take an almost Cure feel too them. Nevertheless their brand of new wave rock is so well performed that no matter the influence they have created their own unique sound that stands out amongst today's sonic landscape.