MY VIEW
Music: 'Antics' by Interpol

By Joshua Huff
Special to The Advertiser

The Verdict: THE RATINGS 5 — Outstanding: Add it to your collection now. A must-have. 4 — Great: Buy it or rent it — definitely listen to it. 3 — Good: Worth listening to despite some flaws. 2 — Fair: Unless you're a fan of the group or singer, don't bother. 1 — Poor: Save your money (and your ears).

Release: Aug. 28.

Style: Post-punk/alternative/rock.

Rewind: Track No. 3,"NARC"; No. 4,"Take You on a Cruise"; No. 5, "Slow Hands."

Skip: Track No. 1, "Next Exit" (if one must find a flaw).

My view: After putting out 2001's widely acclaimed "Turn on the Bright Lights," Interpol is back with its sophomore release, "Antics."

The results of their time in the studio show both a bit of replication of their old material and creation of pieces that go off in an entirely new direction: "Antics" is a follow-up that rivals the greatness of their debut.

The album starts with "Next Exit," a keyboard solo for the first 20 seconds or so. This alone is interesting because where Interpol's "Turn on the Bright Lights" was devoid of any keyboard work, "Antics" has quite a fair share of creeping keyboard lines beneath the guitars, bass and drums. This song is the weakest on the album (though this isn't really saying much at all), and may eliminate listeners who cannot put up with Paul Banks' almost monotone, yet highly effective, voice.

The next track, "Evil," shows why Interpol is unafraid to let bassist Carlos D. lead many songs. While many bands may view the bass as an instrument that simply reinforces rhythm, Interpol utilizes the bass as the sole instrument (along with Banks' voice) in many parts of several songs. The drum/bass interplay that Interpol has become so noted for is on full display here, as the two weave in and out, sometimes playing counter-rhythms.

"NARC," the third song, is arguably the best song. The guitars sound like a mix between the guitar work of Nikolai Fraiture and Albert Hammonds Jr. of the Strokes and U2's The Edge. The song's mid-tempo speed and the tension between the angular guitar work of the verses and the light chords in the song's chorus make for a surreal experience. Hints of keyboard flair are found at pivotal moments in the song that help make this piece the high point of this phenomenal album.

The complaint from some people is that Interpol has lightened a bit too much and isn't quite as gloomy as the first album. "Antics," while perhaps a less "dark" album than "Turn on the Bright Lights," is still a moody and difficult album and is just as heavy.

Those in search of a good time — la The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" need not apply. But if you're interested in a mature band with great control of rhythm that reminds us all why it's a problem for the ones we long after to "be in love with someone else" (on "C'mere"), Interpol's "Antics" may be the cure for all that ails you.

Regardless of the outcome, don't complain to Interpol; they'll be too busy bottling up their collective emotions and releasing it as another work of pure genius.

Joshua Huff is a senior at Moanalua High School.

Have a game or CD you want to review? Reach Island Life deputy editor Dave Dondoneau at ddondoneau@honoluluadvertiser.com.