The ongoing rumble of the melodic bass dances with the sparkling guitars that fold on top of one another. Banks' idiosyncratic voice is informed equally by grunge and Ian Curtis. Lyrically it is melodramatic, cynical, and lavish.

Dark and light, slender and expansive, measured and immediate. Interpol's debut record is the epitome of balance and the most captivating, brooding post-punk album since Joy Division.