polaroids of androids

Unremarkable. That's probably the best way to describe the latest offering from the New York uber-cool rockers. It has fine moments but is still a very safe album. Wrecking Ball and The Lighthouse, the two closing tracks, offer some some creative expression as they break slightly from the set tempo and song structure. A possible sign of frustratiion by the band and their attempt to escape their own set formula. The Heinrich Maneuver and No I In Threesome are incredibly infectious tracks and ultimately become the moments that carry this album past 'bland' and towards 'mildy enjoyable'.

Interpol are still a terrific band. Paul Banks' voice is brilliant. At times it dominates all aspects of the track with a strange blend of control, confidence and fragility. This is why everything Interpol will ever release in their own unique style will ultimately sound very similar. As good as Banks' vocals are they do often become a focal point of a song, so that they often overshadow the musical arrangements.

Much like Kings Of Leon did earlier in the year Interpol seem to have taken the safer option. Their offering isn't half as bad as the alt-country Kings but it is still incredibly unadventurous and predictable. Fans will be satisfied. They might get a few new fans with the singles but the fact is people won't be talking about this album as a significant release this time next year.