LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Interpol @O2 Academy, Leeds
29/05/2023
Support from Water From Your Eyes
Interpol is not a band I'd consider myself a well-versed fan of. Whilst their tracks have crossed my ears plenty of times since their rise around the late 2000s/early 2010s, I'd lump me in with the uneducated lot who are most familiar with their iconic hit album 'Turn out The Bright Lights'. Checking them out at O2 Academy this weekend, I quickly realized just how blind I'd been. Even if you don't know a single song, I'd firmly recommend seeing Interpol live next time they're near you. Find out why below.
The first thing I noted about this gig was as I stood in the queue. With any band that's been touring for nearly 20 years, you'd expect their fans to have slowly homologated in looks and age. I don't think you'd be mistaken for thinking a viral indie up-and-comer was playing at O2 that day. It seems excited and engaged fans from all walks of life, both new and old, make up your average Interpol crowd. This definitely made for an energetic atmosphere that helped bring the gig to life later on in the night.
Speaking of appealing to fans both old and young, I was certainly not expecting anyone in the O2 Academy that evening to be wearing 2017's favourite iconic spectacles - clout goggles. Yet another of my expectations was smashed right out of the gate, as the singer of indie pop opening duo "Water From Your Eyes" stepped out on stage.
Rachel Brown and Nate Amos certainly make a bold impression with Cobain-esque glassware and a Y2K look, clearly sharing Interpol's keen eye for the aesthetic, and it was quickly and confidently backed up by their performance.
With breakcore inspired beats and a plethora of instruments played between the two, "Water From Your Eyes" rapidly and seamlessly glides through a variety of energetic sounds that left a solid impression on me. Whilst the eclectic vocals and general avant-garde tone might put off some, this American duo is one I'd definitely recommend checking out.
Following the energetic setlist and performance is an interesting choice for the usually more mellow Interpol, but the first few songs of the set - Toni, Obstacle 1 and If You Really Love Nothing - built on top of the atmosphere spectacularly well. Obstacle 1 was a particular highlight for me, performed excellently, and seemed to be a fan-favourite too.
Indeed, one expectation of mine that was comfortably met was in the quality of the performance. From Sam Fogarino on his awesome split acoustic and electric drum kit to the spot-on vocals of Paul Banks, there was little to critique in that department. Perhaps most importantly, the suits remained impeccably sharp and surprisingly un-creased throughout the entire performance. Though, admittedly, Interpol wasn't exactly Showaddywaddy-ing it up on stage.
If there were any areas that I'd critique of the show, it would be the following two. First, for a band as atmospheric and well-presented as Interpol, the visual component was a little lacking. I don't expect pyrotechnics of course, but the cool factor of basking the stage in red light weakens each time.
Secondly, whilst the performance remained consistently excellent throughout, I feel the middle of the set could've been better paced. I enjoyed all the tracks contained within, with 'My Desire' and it's riff being a particularly persistent earworm since the gig, but I think a reshuffle could help each track stand better on its own. No complaints on my end with the song choices themselves though, there was a healthy mix of tracks from throughout their discography.
Overall however, Interpol @ O2 Academy was a gig I was thoroughly happy to attend. I left with a new indie-pop duo in my playlist, a whole bunch of new Interpol songs, and aching knees from trying to keep up with a pumped up crowd. Can't ask for much more from a gig can you? If you're guilty of overlooking this band or missing out on them live like I was, I'd report yourself to Interpol immediately and get some tickets.
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