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Priming you for Interpol’s Las Vegas return

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Interpol
Photo: Jamie James Medina / Courtesy

Who: Arty Manhattan rockers who signed to Matador Records in 2002 and have remained with the influential indie label ever since. Lead singer Paul Banks and guitarist Daniel Kessler have been together since the band’s earliest days; drummer Sam Fogarino signed on in 2000. Interpol’s fourth primary member, bassist Carlos D (Dengler) exited the group in 2010.

Sound:Dramatic, atmospheric rock that often draws comparisons to Joy Division—largely due to Banks’ baritone, Ian Curtis-esque vocals—but generally fits comfortably alongside many of the British post-punk acts of the late ’70s and early ’80s, like The Chameleons, Echo & The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes.

Spin: Interpol’s first album, 2002’s Turn on the Bright Lights, remains the band’s most renowned release, but the pick here is its follow-up, 2004’s Antics. From Side A bangers “Evil,” “Narc” and “Slow Hands” to shadowy Side B deep cuts “Public Pervert” and “A Time to Be So Small,” the whole record just sounds right—as you play it and as you replay it in your head hours later.

Previously: The New Yorkers first played Las Vegas on October 4, 2003—a Huntridge Theatre show that also featured The Warlocks and Ratatat. Interpol remained a relatively steady visitor after that, returning for three shows at the old Joint (the first one memorable for its inclusion of oldie/rarity “Specialist”), one gig at the new Joint and two at the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool. And then … the band skipped Vegas on 2017’s Turn on the Bright Lights 15th Anniversary Tour and again during the first part of its Marauder tour in 2018, before announcing this October 4 Chelsea date.

Recently: Interpol released its sixth album, Marauder, in August 2018 to mixed reviews. Most negative reactions (rightfully) focused on the production of notorious sound ruiner Dave Fridmann: “Because the album is marred by nonexistent basslines and, most concerningly, production and mixing choices that run completely at odds with Interpol’s natural strengths and most beloved idiosyncrasies, it’s nowhere near great,” said Consequence of Sound. Hopefully, urgent numbers from that disc, like “The Rover” and “Party’s Over”—along with material from May EP A Fine Mess (also produced by Fridmann)—will shine brighter in concert.

INTERPOL with Sofia Bolt. October 4, 8 p.m., $39-$59. The Chelsea, 702-698-7475.

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