10 Bands Who Should Have Stopped After One Album
6. Interpol
In 2002, Interpol were the gloomy guitar rockers we didn’t know we needed. Combining a Joy Division sound with a lothario persona, frontman Paul Banks was like Ian Curtis with a dating app, and their debut Turn On The Bright Lights was a fresh addition to the burgeoning guitar rock scene, combining brooding intensity with arch party tunes.
Interpol have remained in that time period, releasing variations on a theme and maintaining the arty vibes which worked as younger men. Even hardcore fans would concede that their best days are behind them. It is the peril of a great debut, especially one so tied to a moment in time.
Interpol are beholden to their style, and their output has suffered for it. This is the curse of having such a distinctive sound: stick or twist, you’re taking a risk, and sticking hasn’t paid off for Interpol.
They’re still a lauded live concern and their albums tend to be met with a relatively warm reception, but time hasn’t been too kind to the New York outfit. Perhaps they'll mix things up and adopt a mature new direction. Alternatively, in three years’ time it’ll be Turn On The Bright Lights’ 20th anniversary.