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Tangy zizzle
10-02-2004, 09:50 PM
Interpol - Antics
http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/images/i/interpol/antics.gif


Album: Antics
Artist: Interpol
Released: September 28, 2004

Tracklist:

1. Next Exit
2. Evil
3. Narc
4. Take You On A Cruise
5. Slow Hands
6. Not Even Jail
7. Public Pervert
8. C'mere
9. Length of Love
10. A Time To Be So Small

There comes a time in a band's life when they really have to prove themselves. After the hype of their first album has eases off, after the comparisons to a dreary legend dims, a band must make a second album. This second release is usually seen as a make or break affair. Interpol have made it.

1. Next Exit

What a great way to open album. B3's pouring out over the speakers. Next Exit is a bit different to Interpol's usual sound. Slow, light and very crisp production. This is one of the slower songs Interpol have done so far. Very cathartic, and quite peaceful. A top opener. 4.3/5

2. Evil

This song reminds us of who we're listening to. This is signature Interpol and could fit right in, in the second half of Turn On The Bright Lights. One of my favourites from the album. Lyrics have never been a super strong point of Interpol's repetoir, but they are so integral. At times nonsensical, but oh so Interpol - Evil is a winner. The title alludes to a darker script, whereas the song itself is anything but. The last minute or so of this song is very reminiscent of Bright Lights. 4.6/5.

3. Narc

This song has been a concert staple for most of this year, and in the studio it's a good song. This track is the first to really show emotion. Paul Banks' heavy drone has lost a bit of girth, but has kept it's weight. Still very powerful vocals. The guitar-only ending of this song is very familiar. 4/5

4. Take You On A Cruise.

A great intro see's Take You On A Cruise become one of Interpols best songs to date. Bank's voice sounds almost sugary at times, it's a nice change. This is such a strong track. Very, very signature Interpol, but so damm good. The rhythm section of Carlos D. and Sam Fogarino prove themselves in this one, and really drive the track into greatness. Love it. 5/5.

5. Slow Hands.

Next up we have the single Slow Hands. It's no Obstacle 1 but it's a solid song. Interpol have a habit of providing very strong singles, and this doesn't break it. A catchy chorus. This is a bit of a throwback to Gang of Four type post-punk. Again, great drums and bass. Quite a dense song, the guitars seem very thick. Great song. 4.5/5

6. Not Even Jail

The intro to this song is a step outside of the box for Interpol. Simple but effective drums lead the song into a signature Interpol riff. The instruments flow together perfectly on this one. This is the longest cut on the album, clocking in at 5:46. This song promises a lot, an keeps it. Builds up to a subtle, but emotive outburst from Banks. Great guitars in this one I must say. It's about 25 seconds too long, but it doesn't take anything away from the track really. 4.5/5

7. Public Pervert

"If time is my vessel, then learning to love might be my way back to see" - the lyrics say it all. Quite a melancholy song. Everyone loves a love song. This is a definate highlight. It's heartfelt and honest, but some of the lyrics seem a tab forced (but that is unusual for Interpol). This is a somewhat experimental track for Interpol. It's laced with lots of little hidden effects and noises. Great song. 4.9/5.

8. C'mere

You know the deal. A simple song. A few strong riffs. Pounding bass and effective drums.It's another love song. Pretty sloppy lyrics, but oh well. A good song but nothing outstanding. Solid. A very poppy song. 3.9/5

9. Length Of Love

Ian Curtis and Joy Divison are usually the first port of call when it comes to influences, butI think many people underestimate REM's influence on Interpol. Paul Banks does his best Michael Stipe impersonation throughout this one. I like this song a lot, it's a happy track and pretty damm catchy. Rhythm section really shines in this gem. Top song. 4.7/5

10. A Time To Be So Small.

A great closer. Very spacey song. Quite a dreamy feel to it. The drums sound like the are being purposefully slowed down and it adds a great element to the song. This is another track that would fit perfectly in the second half of Bright Lights. A very ethereal track, a great relaxer. An epic build up of slow guitars and then sparse pluckings. Perfect way to finish the album. 4.4/5

This is a very, very solid effort. It's not as good as their debut, but it's just as effective. They've progressed, but not so far that they are a different band. There are still many great "Interpol" moments. Overall it's a lighter affair. Some tracks are even danceable ( Slow Hands and C'mere ). They've proved that they are definately not one hit wonders, and I can see very bright things from these guys as they put out more records.

Final Rating. 4.4/5

BlindWriting
10-02-2004, 09:56 PM
This band is great.
Unfortunately, I was forced to pass on the opportunity to see them live, something I've been dying to do after a friend told me about an amazing concert of theirs.
Good review, but it wouldn't have hurt to have described the band musically. Also, did you notice the lead singer's voice getting a lot higher on Antics? (Judging by the small amount I've heard so far.)

Tangy zizzle
10-02-2004, 10:06 PM
Tisn't my best review.

br3ad_man
10-02-2004, 10:20 PM
Yay Tangy, good work. I'm going to listen to this one soon.

Tapeworm
10-03-2004, 10:04 AM
I love this record. Nicely reviewed, I agree with most of what you said. :thumb:

Tangy zizzle
10-03-2004, 05:00 PM
Uum, bump?

Iai
10-03-2004, 05:04 PM
A nice review, but as you said, not your best. Although you did reference my post in Alt./Indie about the importance of the second album..... :)

Hopefully I'll be picking this up soon, but for now the HMV sale takes precedence.

Happymeal
10-03-2004, 05:33 PM
Hmm, a decent review for Mr. Zizzle. I'm trying to get into them the past few days, maybe I'll DL some songs off this one.

Tangy zizzle
10-03-2004, 05:51 PM
Atleast it looks pretty.

Happymeal
10-03-2004, 05:54 PM
Haha, you really are in vacation mode already.

Tangy zizzle
10-03-2004, 06:16 PM
Yargh 'tis true.

Iai
10-03-2004, 06:18 PM
Now you're just in pirate mode.

SubtleDagger
10-03-2004, 06:20 PM
A good review. I could never get into this band though, their singer grates on my nerves and most of their songs come off as simply boring to me.

Tangy zizzle
10-04-2004, 02:48 AM
Do you guys think I should re-review this?

Mephisdan
10-04-2004, 04:06 PM
No its fine. Good i should say

minnieme01
10-16-2004, 10:20 PM
just bought the album. too bad i didn't get it early enough to be the first to make a review. very good album though. i agree with most everything you said. :thumb:

Jellyspoon
10-23-2004, 03:25 PM
I was a big fan of the first album. however, in the run up to the release of Antics I heard a bit about there being more'space' on the album, which worried me. It's true, the bits I loved about TOTBL (ie the lush instrumental sections - ending of PDA) arent present on Antics. But it is growing on me, in particular 'Not Even jail' - the first few seconds are the best part. ATM this is 3/5 but it could rise for me.