The Beat Surrender

It takes a big man to admit he was wrong. Fortunately I very rarely am. However as I am writing this I am currently 9ft 6 inches tall.

Three years ago I passed up the opportunity to go see Interpol live. Why? I felt they were a bit bland and just didn’t have sufficient appeal to entice me to go. Pure idiocy.

So how come three years later I am looking forward to seeing them play at Blackpool Empress Ballroom more than I have ever looked forward to seeing any other band ever. I am not even sure I can put my digit on it but I was wrong and I love em. Absolutely love them and that affection has developed solidly for 2 years ever since I first caught their hit “Evil” being played relentlessly on MTV2. I was blown away.

Imagine my delight when I discovered this excellent tune was from an equally fab album and that there was a seminal album preceding it and this year we were to enjoy a third. I had some catching up to do!

Catching up done and that brings us up to present day and the gothic old school style of the Empress Ballroom. We have a band overflowing with confidence due to the commercial success and positive fandom reception to all three of their efforts. Oh and a rowdy crowd chanting “In-ter-pol” to the tune of “Here we go” can’t have been adversely effecting their bravado.

They kick off with a great combination of old and new. “Pioneer To The Falls” from their latest effort “Our Love To Admire” and “Narc”, “C’Mere” from “Antics” and “Obstacle 1” and “Say Hello To The Angels” from “Turn On The Bright Lights”. I had been looking at recent set lists and “C’Mere” hadn’t featured for a while so this was a pleasant surprise as it’s one of my faves. All renditions were tight, effortless and lead singer Paul Banks voice was carrying powerfully across this beautiful hall. It all fits like a glove.

It doesn’t happen often, probably for the best, but I am singing at the top of my voice (beer had played a part). I know every bloomin track and I am loving it. We are also treated to all three single releases from “Admire” in the form of “Mammoth”, “No I In Threesome” and in my opinion the best record of the year and my new fave Interpol song “The Heinrich Manouver”. It’s a belter.

There is time for studio quality versions of classics from their back catalogue, specifically “Slow Hands”, “Evil” and “Not Even Jail” before Interpol are given a standing ovation. To be fair there were no seats but they deserved it anyway!

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