Interpol: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

If The Strokes made New York rock fun again, Interpol made it beautiful and a little haunted. Their sharp suits, interlocking guitars and Paul Banks’ deep, detached vocals drew comparisons to Joy Division, but the band built a sound that was entirely its own. Their 2002 debut is one of the defining albums of the post-punk revival, and they remain a major live draw today.

Interpol at a glance

Formed	1997, New York City
Members	Paul Banks (vocals, guitar, bass since 2010), Daniel Kessler (guitar), Sam Fogarino (drums)
Former member	Carlos Dengler (bass, 1997–2010)
Genres	Post-punk revival, indie rock
Label	Matador

Formation

Guitarist Daniel Kessler started Interpol while studying at New York University, recruiting Carlos Dengler, Paul Banks and drummer Greg Drudy. Sam Fogarino replaced Drudy in 2000. After a few self-released EPs and a Peel Session in the U.K., the band signed with Matador Records.

The albums

Turn On the Bright Lights (2002)

Moody, precise and romantic, this is Interpol’s masterpiece. “Obstacle 1,” “PDA,” “NYC” and “Untitled” capture post-9/11 New York with a cinematic chill.

Antics (2004)

Brighter and more danceable, with “Evil,” “Slow Hands” and “C’mere.” It became their biggest commercial success.

Our Love to Admire (2007)

Their major-label album on Capitol, grander and more layered. Start with “The Heinrich Maneuver” and “Rest My Chemistry.”

Interpol (2010)

Dengler’s final album with the band; Banks has handled bass on record since.

El Pintor (2014), Marauder (2018) and The Other Side of Make-Believe (2022)

The three-piece era. El Pintor (an anagram of “Interpol”) was a strong return, with “All the Rage Back Home.” Marauder was rawer, and The Other Side of Make-Believe more reflective.

Paul Banks

Banks’ baritone, cryptic lyrics and cool delivery are central to Interpol’s identity. He has also recorded solo, including under the name Julian Plenti, and with RZA as Banks & Steelz.

The guitar sound

Daniel Kessler’s precise, chiming guitar lines weave around Banks’ parts and the band’s driving rhythm section. The result is spacious and tense at the same time, and it influenced many later bands, including White Lies and Editors.

On tour

Interpol continue to tour widely. In fall 2026 they are touring the U.S. with shoegaze favorites DIIV. See our upcoming alternative concerts guide for dates.

Ten songs to start with

1. Obstacle 1
2. Evil
3. Slow Hands
4. PDA
5. NYC
6. C’mere
7. Untitled
8. The Heinrich Maneuver
9. All the Rage Back Home
10. Rest My Chemistry

If you like Interpol, try

The Strokes, White Lies, Editors, The National, Joy Division, The Chameleons and DIIV.

Frequently asked questions

When did Interpol form?

In 1997 in New York City.

What is Interpol’s best album?

Turn On the Bright Lights (2002).

Who are the members of Interpol?

Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler and Sam Fogarino. Bassist Carlos Dengler left in 2010.

Is Interpol still active?

Yes. They tour regularly; see our concert guide.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team, the programmers and music writers behind the station’s on-air shows. Official artist website: www.interpolnyc.com. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.