Sept 27th, 2004 Interpol released their second studio album, Antics. It went on to sell just shy of a half a million copies in the US. The album had a very 'nautical' theme found in the lyrics of a few tracks and using Morse Code in several places in the packaging of the album.
From New York City, the band formed in 1997. The original line-up consisted of Paul Banks (vocals, rhythm guitar), Daniel Kessler (lead guitar, vocals), Carlos Dengler (bass guitar, keyboards) and Greg Drudy (drums, percussion). Greg Drudy left before Antics and was replaced by Sam Fogarino. Interpol's debut album Turn on the Bright Lights (2002) was critically acclaimed, making it to tenth position on the NME's list of top albums in 2002 and number one Pitchfork Media's Top 50 Albums of 2002.
Antics received favorable reviews and Spin Magazine rated it the #9 album of 2004. Of the 10 tracks, only 'Slow Hands' and 'Evil' made it to Billboards, hitting #15 and #24 respectively. The album is peppered with punchy dynamics and strong dance beats, signaling a departure from the depressing tones they were once accustomed to. While most will agree it was impossible to match the debut, Turn on the Bright Lights, Interpol did a fantastic job of staying fresh and not hitting the 'Sophomore Slump' with their second album.
Interpol seems to have avoided producing the half-assed melodies and lackluster tracks so many had predicted they would coming off of such great success, presuming the gang would be hoping to coast off of sales like many others have to this day.
'Slow Hands', the obvious choice for their first video, begins with some hard, heavy cords that will certainly get your attention. Banks goes into his lyrics about a relationship gone sour. You can feel the tension in the song with the guitar build up into the chorus.
'Evil' is an interesting tale. Some have speculated that this song is about Rosemary & Fred West, a British serial killer couple that committed over 10 murders. Paul Banks was fascinated with serial killers, and as a literally major in college, probably with a lot of ideas around the inner workings of people. The references to the Rosemary West killings are pretty clear (not just her name, but the "trial", "cellmate" and "shards under the belly"). The video that followed the track was mostly remembered for the 'puppet'.
Most Interpol fans, myself included, would point to track #7 as the dark horse of the album. 'Public Pervert' has a wonderful guitar solo and a nice breakdown, a strange title and lyrics about being lost at sea. All the things that piss off a critic and make a fan embrace it even more. Enjoy a live version, just to see how tight this band is, not just a 'studio' band.
Track Listing:
1. "Next Exit"
2. "Evil"
3. "Narc"
4. "Take You on a Cruise"
5. "Slow Hands"
6. "Not Even Jail"
7. "Public Pervert"
8. "C'mere"
9. "Length of Love"
10. "A Time to Be So Small"
