Interpol
Thursday, October 9, 2003
The Roxy Theatre
by Sara Minton

It's always showtime in Atlanta, and The Roxy Theatre was no exception as New York natives Interpol steamed into town. It's not surprising that anticipation was high for this show after their amazing performance last year at The Cotton Club. The venue was not the only growth for the band in Atlanta, but their crowd tripled in size as well. I looked around expecting to see Interpol look-alikes, and much to my delight I noticed a more diverse and mature crowd. And while many cynics are labeling this New York sound a fad, the crowd would say otherwise. If the band does sound like Joy Division, to whom they're frequently compared, it's with good reason.

The anticipation was justified as the band violently played to the crowd. Bouncing off their energy, stylishly dressed singer Paul Banks wasn't alone as fans swooned along word for word to songs such as 'Stella Was a Diver and She's Always Down' and 'Obstacle 1.' One of the most intense songs of the evening was 'Leif Erikson,' with its gothic undertones and sexy lyrics. The guys also threw in a few new songs throughout the evening like 'Length of Love' and 'Narc.' Overall, it was great evening and a treat to see people who were more into the music then what the gentlemen in Interpol were wearing!