Interpol returns after a 4-year hiatus with its 6th LP, Marauder. Following the spirited “The Rover,” they’re more electrifying on single “Number 10.”

Veteran post-punk band Interpol return with a new album in 2018, Marauder, arriving August 24.  Marauder, the band’s sixth studio album, arrives four years after El Pintor (2014), which received positive reviews overall. Paul Banks and company kicked off the promo campaign for Marauder spiritedly with “The Rover”, but it couldn’t be characterized as a ‘life-changing listening experience.’ Perhaps second single “Number 10” isn’t either, but it’s got a ‘leg-up’ in the electrifying department.  

“Number 10” commences with a marvelous extended instrumental intro. If you’re pressed for time, you can opt for the shorter, radio edit.  Notably, the guitars sound both bright and incredibly aggressive. Ah, the spirit of punk – post-punk… something like that.  There’s an abrupt change of pace when the Paul Banks enters with the vocals.  Safe to say, middle-aged or not, Banks definitely grabs your attention. The lyrics are simple, with both verses featuring nearly identical lyrics that have the same effect.  Banks sings:

“Your secret’s safe here, it’ll never leave / It’s in the basement for ya, na’mean? / Won’t seek replacements, my ballerina / There’s many faces in my gallery.”

Okay, what’s he talking about? Apparently, this song is about a relationship that occurs in an office between a male employee, and his, difficult, female boss, Ella, who is referenced on the playful chorus lyrics.

“Ella / I don’t know what week’s it’s under / Ella / It gets old, it gets old / Ella / Teletext or you can call me / Gallivanting heart / I don’t know what week it’s under.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, I absolutely love the high-flying energy of “Number 10.” Paul Banks is assertive, as is the rest of Interpol.  This is a noisy, punk-filled record that hits you right in the chest. Rock and roll baby, rock and roll!

Interpol • Marauder • Matador • Release: 8.24.18

Photo Credit: Matador