For the last two decades, Interpol have been creating moody, dark songs that have worked their way into our consciousness. The 2002 album Turn on the Bright Lights was a slow burn, with songs such as “Obstacle 1” and “PDA” becoming fan favourites over time. Original members Paul Banks on vocals and guitar and Daniel Kessler on guitar and piano have been joined by drummer Sam Fogarino for the latest release, This Mirror Weighs a Ton. The result is a sullen, moody, and introspective take on the heaviness of self-reflection.
The self-titled opening track sets the tone for the album. “All the kings are gone, but the maniac in your head still sleeps in archways alone as an act of faith.” With an almost gentle lullaby tune, it disguises a deeper and darker vibe.
The following track, single “See Out Loud” has a classic Interpol sound, reminiscent of “PDA”.
The brutalism of the city, with distorted and pixelated imagery, reflects the harshness and impersonality of the outside world while maintaining an upbeat and positive outlook.
The claustrophobia continues on “Iron City”, with an almost love affair with New York. It has elements of despair yet drips with positivity and resilience.
The pace picks up with “Wings on Fire” a classic sounding track that oozes coolness and vibes.
Other tracks such as “Ever the Actor” have a warm and fuzzy feel, while “So Rides the reindeer” has an almost nursery rhyme feel, with a wistful longing aura. “Enemy” is almost a love song to the enemy – the enemy that can never leave. The push and pull of opposites is articulated in “Bird and the Serpent”, with lines such as “The bird and the serpent, they ain’t balancing out”. The album rounds off with “Sudden”, a slow and introspective finale to the album as a whole.
Like most of Interpol’s work, this album takes a few listens to fully appreciate it, but gets better with each listen. It’s the type of album to curl up by a fire on a rainy afternoon and drown in self-reflection. The stark framework of the album is enfolded in the traditional DNA of the band.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
This Mirror Weighs a Ton, Interpol’s first album in four years and debut for Partisan Records is out now.
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