Interpol @ House of Blues, Orlando, FL - 03/20/05
By Julie Zerbib
In an atmosphere promoting the latest hipster fashions
and distractions as well as their soundtrack, this time around Interpol
have certainly turned on the bright lights.
Playing a variety of their best known songs mostly drawn from the new
album, Interpol opened with "Next Exit." Compared to the previous
two shows I've attended, the crowd for this gig was comparatively tame.
Only the front rows were packed with fans busting a move while others
just looked on in stoic fashion. Paul Banks was dead on with his vocals,
even appearing elegantly bored, as Daniel Kessler trudged on with his
guitar. The new keyboardist du - jour had as much stage presence as
Kirk Douglas on morphine, which made me miss former keyboardist, Eric.
They continued their set with current favorites including "Evil,"
and "Slow Hands," as well as old favorites, "NYC,"
"Say Hello to the Angels," and "PDA." When it came
to the encore, the band swapped the traditional "Stella" for
"Roland," and even played the rare b-side, "Specialist."
Opening band, Q And Not U who received mixed reviews from audience members,
played a festive set including their current hit, "Beautiful People."
After the gig, Carlos D and members held a DJ set at The Social, a venue
in downtown Orlando. After 2 hours, it was clear that there would be
no DJ set. However, I slipped towards the back and found myself among
Paul Banks and Daniel Kessler who schmoozed with local venue celebrities
and sycophants alike, under the smoky atmosphere of the bar. When I
approached Paul for a picture, he gently obliged but insisted on taking
the picture himself, claiming he would not take one otherwise. This
is what adds to Interpol's pompous New York mystique. All in all, Interpol
put on a good show and proved that their antics can still attract a
sold-out crowd.
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