Interpol - Marauder

It is always hard to evaluate a bands new record when their back catalogue is so big. This is the 6th instalment of Interpol, and it doesn’t stray too far beyond the typical sound. Vocals as strained as ever, noodling guitars cutting through the mix and a rumble of a bass. Despite this, the album still brings something new to the table – it is loud. Very loud. In fact, all of the instruments have a distinct dirty coating on them, the guitars edgier, the drums overdriven, and the bass maintains a warm fuzz throughout. While this album still sits on the same sofa as all other previous Interpol records, it will require effort and a bit of focus to not feel like a slog. The syncopation is notable on The Rover and several other tracks on the A-side - it makes them particularly danceable. The pounding drums and fuzzy rumble of the bass slinking around the dirty reverb-d guitar in Complications creates a foot-tapping dimension that is usually barely an acquaintance with the band. Historically they have worn their influences on their sleeve, and that aspect has been continued into the newest season of Interpol. There are loud echoes of Interpol (2010) which is a safe step for a band grappling with a 6th album. Marauder (2018) is for already established fans and would be a good first album for those new to the band. A moderate and well-needed success for the twenty-one year old band.