It was just a little over one year ago that Interpol emerged with their debut album, Turn on the Bright Lights, which was greeted with much enthusiasm and critical acclaim by the critics and fans alike. Fans had been left salivating after the release of their PDA EP just a few short months before.  Prior to these official releases, the  band put out their own self titled EP’s, along with the Chemikal Underground Fukd ID EP and participation in many music compilations. While these releases are gems and long out of print, it wasn’t until TOTBL that Interpol officially made a name for themselves in the music scene. It’s hard to believe that it has been more than year since the album came out and a myriad of positive things have happened to Interpol since then: They have toured most of the world over more than once, made it onto countless critics “Best of” lists for 2002, their fan base grows bigger and stronger with each passing day, and they’ve been nominated for various awards, have been in countless music magazines ,  they have worked the late night talk show circuit, debuting on David Letterman back in January and gained much deserved respect.

     Of course, Interpol whom are Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler, Carlos Dengler  Samuel Fogarino and Eric Absteleben (touring keyboardist) are neither one hit wonders or an over night success. They have certainly paid their dues as a band since their inception in 1998. Sam is not an original member and he joined the fold in 2000 when their original drummer, Greg, called it quits. And according to his band mates, Sam was a natural choice. Many would say that Daniel Kessler is the brain child that formed the group and they are correct.  He formed the band with Carlos D after having met him in a class at NYU. Apparently, Daniel asked Carlos about his Doc Martin shoes and they went from there.  They played together for a while with out a vocalist until Daniel ran into Paul on the streets of New York City. Ironically, they had met a while back when they were both in France studying abroad. Paul was hesitant to join the band at first because he was more interested in working alone. But as soon as they all jammed together, Paul realized that this was something special and that he wanted to be a part of it.

     The initial formation of Interpol occurred in mid 1998 and fast-forward to mid 2003 and you will find a band that has evolved a great deal while forging a unique sound, look ,  and presence. They have played almost every major overseas music festival and countless radio festivals in the states. They are one of the hardest working bands out on the current music scene and they never complain about their hectic touring schedules, instead they embrace it.

.  Recent News on the streets is that after Interpol finishes their current last North American tour of 2003, they will take a much deserved break and get back into the studio for a follow up album, due sometime in 2004. It has been reported that they have 6 new songs completed and are currently playing the following new tunes on the current tour: NARC, Length of Love and the unofficially titled, “Strangers in the Night”. If these new songs are any indication of what their next album is going to sound like, then we are all in for a great treat. Be patient, they will be back sooner than we can hope for and probably be even greater than they are now, if that is even possible.