As with many of the albums I review here, I have been recommended this one a lot, especially by my friends, but mostly the internet. I was pleasantly surprised by this album. Previously, I had never really heard of Interpol, other than in passing on various music sites. I honestly didn’t think that the album would live up to the hype. I heard it compared to Radiohead’s Amnesiac, but I think the resemblance stops at the cover art. Released on August 20 of 2002, Turn on the Bright Lights is Interpol’s debut album and what a debut! The whole album has a very moody tone with a similar appeal, I think, to Twin Fantasy by Car Seat Headrest. I would recommend this album to people who like driving in the rain, sitting in the dark, plane rides, and have a love/hate relationship with the city. 

My standout tracks from this album are “NYC,” “Obstacle 1,” and “Roland.” However, I think the album is best enjoyed as a collective work, rather than its individual songs. “NYC” contains the album’s title in the lyrics, which is always cool, but outside of that the music is great. The vocal layers combined with the reverb in the guitars is amazing, and the constant rhythmic drumming puts the listener (or at least me) into a lull. “Obstacle 1” captures a sound that is very unique to the early 2000’s post punk/indie rock scene. For listeners who enjoy this song, Joy Division may be a good band for you to check out next. The bass really stood out to me in this song. It almost dances with the drums under the vocals. Now, what our lead singer Paul Banks lacks in vocal talent, he definitely makes up for in passion and isn’t that what art and music is all about? “Roland” feels very midwestern, like the middle of nowhere: no buildings, no trees, just dirt roads and tall brown grass. This song is definitely more rock flavor with very present electric guitar throughout, occasionally interrupting the vocals for its turn under the bright lights. 

I don’t really have any theme analysis for this album, but if you want that I’m sure Google Gemini can tell you what it’s about. Personally, I enjoy this album for the feeling it leaves me with and for the journey that the music takes me on. While it has an overall dark mood, the ending is ultimately hopeful, I think. But that’s just my opinion. Listen to it yourself and decide if it really deserved the 9.5 on Pitchfork. I give this album, 6/7 light bulbs.