Interpol

Interpol is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1997, closely associated with the early-2000s post-punk revival that also produced bands like The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, many of whom shared early stages at venues such as the Luna Lounge. The band's classic lineup featured Paul Banks on vocals and guitar, Daniel Kessler on guitar, Carlos Dengler on bass and keyboards, and Sam Fogarino on drums, who replaced original drummer Greg Drudy around 2000.

The group built its reputation on a moody, atmospheric sound built around interlocking, chiming guitar lines, a prominent, melodic bass, and Banks's deep, detached baritone vocals, drawing frequent comparisons to Joy Division and The Chameleons while carving out a distinct identity within New York's indie scene. Their 2002 debut album Turn On the Bright Lights, featuring tracks like «Obstacle 1» and «PDA», is widely regarded as a landmark of the post-punk revival, and its follow-up Antics further cemented their sound with songs such as «Evil» and «NYC».

After bassist Carlos Dengler departed following the recording of their fourth album, Interpol continued as a trio before returning with additional touring members, releasing El Pintor in 2014 as a leaner, guitar-forward record. Rather than relying on a single primary songwriter, the band has historically composed collaboratively, with all members contributing to the arrangement process, a method that has helped sustain their tightly wound, cinematic sound across two decades of releases.