Interpol's 'El Pintor' review: Back in their gloomy groove
Interpol "El Pintor" on Matador/Soft Limit. Credit: Matador/Soft Limit
Great news, Interpol fans! On its new album, "El Pintor" (Matador), Interpol sounds like Interpol and not the imploding outfit behind the disappointing "Interpol" album in 2010.
It's no surprise, really, that they sound best on "Everything Is Wrong," which welds dark thoughts and dance beats in a way that would make Joy Division proud, as singer Paul Banks channels cultivated cool over Daniel Kessler's chilly guitar riffs.
They do warm up a bit on the catchy, club-ready "All the Rage Back Home," which rolls dangerously close to pop happiness. "El Pintor" does stretch, but mostly back to the sound that made Interpol one of New York's leading bands of the Aughts.
INTERPOL
"El Pintor"
THE GRADE B
BOTTOM LINE Back in their gloomy groove.
