FRICTION NYC

Times have definitely changed for Interpol, they played a “secret show” to a jam-packed crowd Tuesday night at the Bowery Ballroom. Unfortunately, probably one of the last times they’ll play a venue this size. Seemed like all of cool New York was there, albeit it was mostly industry types. (Lots of old dudes with a beer in one hand and a pretty betty in the other. Plus a bunch of disinterested young chicks in babydoll dresses and heels checking their Palm Pilots the whole time for an afterparty text. This considering their recent signing to major label Capitol Records.) The last time I remember seeing them at the venue back in the day, people were taking more notice of where are they now bands like Longwave and the French Kicks. At least the guitarist’s girlfriend/wife doesn’t have to run around in the crowd any more to sell CD’s or giveaway buttons and stickers like I remember.

I barely made it inside at 10:15 (there was still a 30-40 foot line of fans trying to find a way in, it was so crowded I had to rush upstairs) when they started their set with the new “Pioneer To The Falls“. Although I think they should start every show with the slow burning hype builder “Next Exit“. “Mammoth” and “Heinrich Maneuver” were two others from their upcoming third album Our Love to Admire out on July 10th. All I can say is the new stuff sounds very Interpol-esque. Unfortunately, the crowd was pretty lethargic and on snooze alert. (About the only person who rocking out was Matt Pinfield behind me. That guy really is into music!) I guess most of the starched scenesters were just happy to say they were there. I’m happy they played my favorite “Leif Erikson“.

Overall a tight set, but they were pretty much dry as ever on stage (this my 13th or so time seeing them since 2000). A chain smoking Carlos D amused me with his new pimp stache and Sam’s Town look. Paul Banks even busted out a sweet new black Gibson Flying V and Fender Jag, instead of the usual Les Paul Custom. The shit grin on Banks’ face a quarter of the time just said “Wow we’re playing to our hometown again! and it feels good!”

Setlist:
Pioneer To The Falls
Obstacle 1
Narc
Say Hello To The Angels
Take You On A Cruise
Mammoth
Slow Hands
Leif Erikson
Heinrich Maneuver
Evil
Not Even Jail
Encore:
Length Of Love
Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down
PDA

More pics on [Flickr]