Photo Credit: Ebru Yildiz
On 2nd November, post-punk enthusiasts flocked to Manchester’s O2 Apollo to see Interpol celebrate the 20th anniversary of their seminal album Antics. The packed venue buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered to relive the moody, immersive sounds of a record that defined a generation. The night was a celebration of Antics and a testament to Interpol’s ability to keep evolving while holding true to their roots.
Australian band Dust opened for the band, setting the tone with hazy and atmospheric tracks, perfect to compliment Interpol‘s signature sound. Although their set was brief, only playing nine tracks, they left a good impression, grounding the evening in a darker and more introspective tone similar to the vibe of Antics.
As Interpol took to the stage, the dim lighting and minimalistic setup of the Apollo reflected the band’s characteristic aesthetic, allowing the audience to focus almost entirely on the music. They went straight into Antics, playing the album’s entirety in it’s original order – a rare and satisfying experience for dedicated fans. After opening with Next Exit, Paul Banks‘ deep and resonant voice filled the space, perfectly accompanied with Daniel Kessler‘s jangling guitar and Sam Fogarino‘s driving percussion. One of the highlights of the show would have to be their performance of Evil, as the familiar riff caused a wave of excitement and energy from the audience, who sang along to the full track.
As Antics continued, each track received an individual response from the crowd, who seemed to collectively sink into the album’s introspective intensity. Songs like Narc and Take You on a Cruise, represented the anxious darkness signature to Interpol‘s style, whereas songs like C’Mere, with it’s pleading refrain, brought out a palpable connection between the band and its fans, transcending the original studio recordings.
Following the full playthrough of Antics, Interpol treated their fans to an extended encore featuring a well-chosen mix of fan favourites and tracks from later albums. A new added energy, from songs like The Heinrich Maneuver and All the Rage Back Home, resonating with the crowd and showcasing the band’s versatility. This encore felt like a bridge, connecting the band’s beginnings with their more recent work, and illustrating how their sound has matured without losing its essence.
To conclude, Interpol‘s anniversary show at the Apollo reminded us as the audience why Antics has held up so well after two decades, its sound resonating just as well now as it did in 2004. For old and new fans, this night isn’t just a throwback, but a celebration of a band whose music still hits just as hard, capturing the spirit of introspective rebellion that defined the early 2000s and lives on today.
8/10
Written by: Soph Johnson
