Interpol performing at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on Feb. 7, 2019
Sadness can breed smiles and melancholy music has the power to transform a room of strangers into a soulful community united in its affirmation of life. Interpol examined this intersection of spiritual sorrow and joyful connectivity during the group’s sold-out Feb. 7 performance at The Chicago Theatre.
Beginning with the set-opener “Pioneer to the Falls” all the way through to the pre-encore closer “Slow Hands,” Interpol revealed the beauty found in everything from “the dirt pile” to “a wasteland.” Fans’ acknowledgment – and acceptance – of these earthly realities bonded individuals on a subconscious level fully realized in the music. Across the crowd, happy faces sang along with every song, simultaneously sharing the experience with each other while also getting lost in solitary moments of melodic meditation.
Cheers poured out as a trio of strums signaled the start of “C’mere,” the first of several songs played from the group’s critically acclaimed 2004 album Antics, before “If You Really Love Nothing” introduced some Marauder music to the eager audience. Guitarist Daniel Kessler’s deceptively minimalist riffs drove the relentless rocker “Roland” as Paul Banks’ vocals – purposefully compact in their musicality while sprawling in emotional range – revealed the complexities of the storyteller’s best friend the butcher.
Interpol performing at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on Feb. 7, 2019
The band explored the limits of their hypnotic post-punk sounds throughout the show with Kessler’s swaggery upbeat emphasis on “Complications” and bassist Brad Truax’s boldly funky bass riffs guiding the coda of “Take You on a Cruise.” Elsewhere, “Number 10’s” dreamy introduction quickly evolved into a compelling study of rhythm as drummer Sam Fogarino created a language all his own using his cymbal and snare.
Fans often took advantage of set breaks to declare their love for the band or to shout out requests for the next song. Banks stood stoic uttering few words except the occasional “thank you” between tracks. Perpetually clad in dark sunglasses – which reflected the meticulous stage lighting – he personified an enigmatic rock star.
Regardless of which tunes Interpol decided to play, fans responded with uproarious appreciation. “The New” generated some of the loudest cheers of the night as the group stood silhouetted letting their disco ball handle the visuals during the second half of the song.
Interpol performing at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on Feb. 7, 2019
The iconic opening bassline of “Evil” also produced a huge response from the crowd, the members of which ecstatically belted out the lyrics of the Antics hit. Banks and company had fun with the pacing of the track, drawing out the lead-in to the chorus before quickening the tempo in the climax. It was a perfect example of a band using the live setting to add layers to an already riveting song.
“Say Hello to the Angels” and “Rest My Chemistry” were further stand-outs of Interpol’s latest Chicago performance which came on the heals of the band’s set at Riot Fest 2018.
Check out photos from Interpol’s Feb. 7 set – featuring Sunflower Bean – at The Chicago Theatre below. Head over to Interpolnyc.com for more information on tour dates, Marauder and more.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
