Biography of Interpol

Dark-wavers Interpol channel Joy Division through cinematic, guitar-driven New York City rock and roll. Like their peers, the Walkmen, the French Kicks, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Radio 4 and the Strokes, Interpol should be thanked for reviving the downtown scene to the gritty majesty of the waning 70s/dawning 80s days of Television, Blondie and the Talking Heads.Interpol formed in 1998 when guitarist Daniel (the members prefer to go by only their first names) and original drummer Greg approached bassist Carlos in a college World War I history class, reportedly because of his unique, stitchless Doc Marten boots. The band soon added singer Paul, who Daniel met in a study abroad program in Paris. Greg and the band soon amicably parted ways, and Interpol added Sam as their drummer. The band began to play out in whatever Lower East Side dives that they could under their new moniker.In 2000, Interpol was featured on Brit imprint Chemikal Underground's FukdID #3 EP and the band contributed "Song Seven" to Fierce Panda Records' Clooney Tunes compilation. Interpol soon found itself opening at prestigious NYC venues for the likes of such important post rock bands as Mogwai, Arab Strap, {…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead} and the Delgados. Thanks to growing interest overseas, in 2001 the dark police set out on a tour of the UK including Glasgow, Manchester and finally London, where they recorded a John Peel session. They self-released a cd entitled Precipitate and ventured to France for the Route du Rock Festival in St. Malo and Festival Off in Paris.Interpol's debut album followed in 2002. ~ Charles Spano