7/10

Over the last twenty-five years, Interpol have stood as one of the more progressive and inventive names on the scene. Originally marking themselves within the New York post-punk revival in the early 2000s, they have grown into a broad and innovative juggernaut that has really seen an ebb in their creative flow. But with the pandemic breaking their usual approach to both writing and recording new material, they still managed to make something work as they deliver their seventh studio album 'The Other Side Of Make-Believe', a record that clearly projects those feelings of isolation we all went through.

While their previous outings have always looked to move fluidly between bold and euphoric textures alongside more energetic numbers, 'The Other Side Of Make-Believe' holds itself very much in the former as we hear a far more subdued group at the helm. Clearly reflecting the feelings of dread and uncertainly during COVID, there newest collection sees them focus themselves more on the raw and atmospheric side to their sound, creating these rich and sprawling soundscapes that perfectly fit their fresh and driven aesthetic in more recent years.

It may not have the same visceral impact of their more renowned offerings, but 'The Other Side Of Make-Believe' still makes for a rousing listen from start to finish. With frontman Paul Banks remaining the cohesive gel of the band's tone, it moves with a elegance to it that many others in their field never usually come close to.