Interpol, Turn on the Bright Lights Review

Overall Rating

Evokes memories of some of the best indie bands of all times, most especially, Joy Division.

Turn on the Bright Lights by Interpol was probably the best CD released in 2002. In fact, it may be the best CD released this decade. It's a magnificently dark, moody and evocative blend of echo-y indie guitars and rhythmic bass that suggests what Joy Division might have sounded like if their first album had been released in the year 2000.

While some might find it hard to distinguish between tracks occasionally, particularly amongst the faster songs on the album (PDA, Say Hello To the Angels), I would say that the similarity of bass and guitar sounds across the album holds it together magnificently as a piece to be listened to from start to finish, rather than as a few singles with stuff in between.

Hailing from NYC (with one British-born bandmember) the songs themselves conjure a feeling of the city at night, of the manic pace of city life alternating with snapshots of dark corners and industrial ennui. Highlights of the album are "PDA," with its driving guitars and (almost) non-sensical and somehwat daft chorus ("Sleep tight, grim rite, we have 200 couches where you can sleep tonight...."); the breathtaking "NYC" which compares riding on a New York subway to pornography and describes the city as a lover; and "Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down," a surreal comparison of depression to the serenity and isolation of deep sea diving.

This first album from Interpol is a joy to play and the echoes of its influences only serve to strengthen its appeal. If you are at all a fan of post-punk or thoughtful indie rock then this album is a definite must-have. If you aren't, but you're looking for a musical challenge and some beautiful, moody listening, then you should buy this too!