
Interpol
Interpol
Interpol @ The Salt Shed, Chicago, US, November 18 & 19, 2024,
Dec 02, 2024
Photography by Josh Darr
Web Exclusive
Interpol’s sophomore album, Antics, was released in 2004 and served as a highly anticipated follow up to its predecessor, Turn On The Bright Lights. The latter introduced the world to the brooding New York City musicians just a few years prior. The 2002 project was critically acclaimed, with notable publications singing the band’s praises.

Pitchfork called it a “visceral punch of the thematic content” that was “backed at every turn by melody among serrated riffs and amorphous percussion.” Rolling Stone said that Interpol were “so audaciously resplendent in their doom-and-gloom guitar ambience, you just have to tip your cap.”
While Turn On The Bright Lights brought the band an international audience, Antics kept that hard-earned attention. From the salacious machinations of “Narc” to the inescapable infectiousness of “Evil” and “Slow Hands,” Interpol managed to refine their elusive formula while simultaneously growing their songwriting skills.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the group performed the album in its entirety at Chicago’s Salt Shed on November 18 and 19. The two-night stand was a predictably sold-out affair, with attendees bubbling over with sheer excitement at finally experiencing it live from start to finish. As the lights dimmed for the simmering opening track “Next Exit,” it was clear that Interpol’s enigmatic nature remains fully intact all these years later.
The darkness that shrouded the indie rockers has become a literal part of their show and only adds to the ambience. Of course, words from the band were few and far between both nights. Frontman Paul Banks thanked the audience for their unwavering support that has spanned for two decades before formally introducing Antics.

Interpol blasted through the 10 tracks with effortless precision, with each one taking on a life of its own. “Take You On A Cruise” felt more savoury amongst the atmospheric lights. “Not Even Jail” was evocative in the context of the album in its entirety, and the minacity of “A Time To Be So Small” was palpable live.
After the record was complete, a few popular gems were excavated to fans’ liking. As part of the encore for both nights, “Rest My Chemistry,” “Pioneer to the Falls,” “Obstacle 1” and “PDA” were executed to perfection and with just as much vigor as Antics. The permanence that certain art possesses was underscored during this anniversary tour. As it reaches its conclusion, Interpol can rest assured that they have no problem standing the test of time.

Setlist (Night One)
Next Exit
Evil
Narc
Take You On A Cruise
Slow Hands
Not Even Jail
Public Pevert
C’mere
Length of Love
A Time to Be So Small
Pioneer to the Falls
No I in Threesome
The Rover
Rest My Chemistry
My Desire
Roland
Lights
All the Rage Back Home
Obstacle 1
The New
PDA
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