Band also breaks out favorites ‘NYC,’ ‘Evil’ in Santa Monica, California, recording studio. By Ryan J. Downey Paul Banks of Interpol performs onstage September 6 Photo: Jeremiah Garcia/ KCRW SANTA MONICA, California — They may have named a new song “Barricade,” but there was nothing of the sort separating Interpol from their fans Monday night as they performed for 150 lucky people in a small recording studio on the eve of their new album’s release. The performance will air Thursday on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” radio show, alongside a short interview. The band played eight songs, more than half of them from their self-titled fourth album, which was released Tuesday (September 7). Fan favorites like “NYC” were included, with the invite-only audience joining frontman Paul Banks in the “But hey, who’s on trial?” refrain during a set-closing “Evil.” In less than two weeks, the New York band will open for U2 in giant venues, but on Monday night, Berkeley Street Studios in Santa Monica was the very definition of intimate. With soft lighting and heavy drapery, producer Bob Clearmountain’s studio had a hipster living-room vibe that meshed nicely with Interpol’s dark atmospherics as the invited guests sipped free booze. Astute indie-rock fans recognized Dave Pajo from his work with Slint and Yeah Yeah Yeahs as he did a more-than-admirable job stepping in for recently departed bassist Carlos D . Brandon Curtis, from Secret Machines, is another new addition to Interpol’s live lineup, providing “keys and BVs,” as the band likes to say — “BVs” being musician shorthand, of course, for backing vocals. Vocalist/guitarist Banks, guitarist Daniel Kessler and cocktail-carrying drummer Sam Fogarino — who together comprise the “official” lineup in press photos and the like — walked casually to the small stage with Pajo and Curtis and quietly picked up their instruments shortly after 8 p.m. Kessler wore a big smile throughout the proceedings, which makes sense, as these makers of Joy Division-meets-Wall of Sound dark rock have a lot to smile about right now. The group’s new album not only marks a return to the indie label that launched them, Matador, after a stint with the majors, but a return to form as well, according to critics. Reviews were mixed for Our Love to Admire (2007), but folks are already comparing the new record favorably to Interpol’s beloved Antics (2004) and their debut, Turn on the Bright Lights (2002). On the eve of their fourth album’s release, as the band that wrote “NYC” found themselves on the other side of the country in front of an intimate private audience, they seemed relaxed and happy and certainly looked as dependably well-dressed as ever, all in black. They opened with “Success,” which also kicks off the new album, followed by another new track, “Summer Well.” Playing material that isn’t immediately familiar to an audience can be awkward, but it was received warmly, with excited cheers greeting “Narc,” from Antics. Enthusiasm was high in the room throughout, but the fans kept themselves at a politely low volume, with equal reverence for being part of such a special occasion as for the band’s moody crescendos juxtaposed with tightly wound stops, starts and often bass-led rhythms. After another new song, “Lights,” Interpol paused for an interview conducted by KCRW music director Jason Bentley. They spoke highly of the new touring lineup and fondly of both Carlos D (whose departure was amicable) and his contributions to the new album and Matador Records. The second half of the set began with a pair of two more new songs, “Try It On” and “Barricade,” before the group closed with “NYC” and “Evil,” which was met with the most raucous reception. The group, which had performed with measured composure throughout, was at its loosest during this song as well, with Banks visibly grinning about the sing-along and Kessler moving a bit more. Have you checked out Interpol’s new record? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Photos MTV.com Exclusive: Interpol Related Artists Interpol
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