Interpol are a band synonymous with New York – but they made London their home with a masterful display at the iconic Somerset House.
On a glorious summer’s evening, the band enraptured the crowd at with a setlist that spanned 20 years and their seven albums, from the post-punk hits of debut ‘Turn On The Bright Lights’ to last year’s melodic ‘The Other Side Of Make-Believe’.
Interpol ’s atmospheric rock, inspired by Daniel Kessler’s tense guitar riffs and frontman Paul Banks’ subtle lyrical wordplay, suited the elegant architecture of the surroundings.
Driven by Sam Fogarino’s tight, relentless drumming, the band’s energy was returned by the capacity crowd who sang along to long-standing favourites including ‘Evil’, ‘C’mere’ and ‘Roland’.
Interpol’s unique punchy, disciplined style has remained, but they have developed a measured maturity in recent years that has seen them become a band at ease with their past while also capable of delivering new sonorous elegance.
'Guilty Lee Ryan proves there is no defence for crossing the line with language'As night fell and darkness descended, they came into their own. Their precise, taut delivery came to the fore with the guarded optimism of new track ‘Fables’ a definitive highlight.
The crescendo of the superb ‘Lights’ and ‘Slow Hands’ ensured a mass singalong from the crowd, resulting in a special moment from another brilliant year for the venue’s Summer Series.
At one of London’s finest outdoor venues, Interpol delivered a confident show of composure and control that left the banks of the River Thames feeling much like a moody summer’s night in New York City.
Interpol setlist: Somerset House, London: Monday 10 July 2023
Toni
Obstacle 1
If You Really Love Nothing
Narc
Into The Night
My Desire
Fables
'Insane' moment Prince William told Jax Jones his kids were big fans of the DJEvil
Pioneer to the Falls
Rest My Chemistry
C’mere
No I in Threesome
Roland
Leif Erikson
PDA
Lights
Slow Hands