Interpol

Clumsily barging their way on to the tight squeeze of a stage, Simian kick off with 'La Breeze', that's shamelessly packed with melody and cloud kissing positivism. Then comes a new strutting, almost anthemically determined rock approach for 'Never Be Alone', but there is still a familiar garnish of chopping chord changes and interesting noodly bits. The rest of their enthusiastic set weaves a fascinating journey through all manner of alluring twists and turns, with 'In Between' actually strutting the funk!

If Simian are adventurous puppies, then Interpol are the big handsome buggers who sit, stare and never wag their tails. But they do look fantastic. Far left, guitarist Daniel was born for the sharp suit, Paul in the middle sings in shirt, tie and a small, schooly sweater but ending the line, bassist Carlos is an icon. With chiselled Germanic features and oiled raven hair, severely glued across forehead, his Dietrich countenance is immutable.

The first song 'Untitled', guides the band graciously into the arms of an exceptionally packed house. As wisps of perfumed parlour smoke, the cautious dreamlike keyboard patterns meander as vocals unfold. November's new single _'Obstacle 1' was inspired by a gruesome New York suicide amongst other deaths, and is performed tonight with an animated passion that's only kept in check through a studied air of disdain. Weary experience is betrayed by the voice. Nothing touches him, but that's exactly what he would have us believe.