Some 20 years after releasing their sophomore album, Antics, the indie rock band Interpol returned to Alexandra Palace, London, in November 2024 celebrating its anniversary to a crowd of over 10,000 people.

Hailing from New York, Interpol rose to fame amid the early 2000s post-punk revival amongst the likes of the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs with their landmark debut, Turn on the Bright Lights, back in 2002.

Their signature dark, ethereal sound is reminiscent of post-punk bands such as Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees.  

Originally a four-piece band consisting of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Paul Banks, lead guitarist Daniel Kessler, bassist Carlos Dengler and drummer Sam Fogarino, from 2010 onwards Banks has taken on the role of bassist, following the departure of the highly respected Dengler.

The evening begins with two support acts: Dust, an Australian five-piece, who mix washes of keyboard with saxophone to create an atmospheric sound, and Iceage, a Danish punk outfit, whose youthful vocals alongside jagged riffs animates the crowd in preparation for the main set.

At 9pm, Banks and co. arise from the shadows, doused in red and black - evocative of Antics’ cover art.

Organ-esque chords reverberate across the domed ceiling as opening track ‘Next Exit’ is sung by Banks, providing an appeasing mood.

The fan-favourite ‘Evil’ brings an exuberance to the set, with its hypnotic bass line against the opening words “Rosemary, heaven restores you in life” garnering cheers at every corner of the venue.

The song’s lyrics, which are widely believed by fans to be about serial killers Fred and Rosemary West (however, the band have denied this), give off an almost gothic tone to the track.

The remainder of the first set is comprised of the rest of the album, amongst highlights including ‘Slow Hands’ and ‘C’mere’.

After a short break, the first encore ensues, ending with arguably their most well-known song: Obstacle 1.  

A critically acclaimed song rated the 64th best song of the 2000s by Pitchfork, it starts with a trebly dual guitar part.

A sense of desperation manifests throughout the song, particularly with Banks emphasising the phrase “she puts the weights into my little heart” to the acclaim of the audience.

Their debut single, ‘PDA’ closes the set on a high note, leaving the crowd with a final shot of jubilation.

20 years on, this set is a testament to Interpol’s unrelenting and uncompromising tapestry of soundscapes.