The Van Buren

Interpol is an American rock band from Manhattan, New York, formed in 1997. The original lineup included Paul Banks (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Daniel Kessler (lead guitar, backing vocals), Carlos Dengler (bass guitar, keyboards), and Greg Drudy (drums). Drudy left the band in 2000 and was replaced by Sam Fogarino. Dengler departed in 2010, with Banks taking on additional in-studio bass duties. The band performed early shows at Luna Lounge alongside groups such as the Strokes, Longwave, the National, and Stellastarr, and is associated with the New York indie music scene and the post-punk revival of the 2000s. Their sound features a mix of staccato bass, rhythmic, harmonized guitar, and a snare-heavy mix, drawing comparisons to post-punk bands including Joy Division, Television, the Chameleons, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Interpol does not have a primary songwriter, with each member contributing to composition. Their debut album, 'Turn On the Bright Lights' (2002), received critical acclaim and reached number 10 on NME's list of the top albums of that year.