Interpol takes audiences back to the early 2000s in a mesmerizing show in Rio de Janeiro

The New York band Interpol landed in Brazil and performed their first show of the country's tour this Wednesday, the 5th, at Vivo Rio.

The band, formed in the 90s, features Paul Banks (vocals and guitar), Daniel Kessler (guitar and vocals), and Sam Fogarino (drums) in its current lineup. References in indie rock and protagonists of the post-punk revival in the 2000s, Interpol arrives in Brazil to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the release of the albums Turn On The Bright Lights (2002) and Antics (2004) .

With the setlist divided into two parts, the first half of the show featured the classic Turn On The Bright Lights. Interpol's monumental debut album became a source of inspiration for many other bands. Not surprisingly, it was chosen as the best album of 2002 by Pitchfork , received numerous positive reviews, and remains relevant and influential to this day.

With a spectacular light show that lasted throughout the entire performance, the band took to the stage with the excellent "Specialist," a B-side from Turn On The Bright Lights that holds a special place in the hearts of Interpol fans. Following that, "PDA," "Say Hello To The Angels," "Obstacle 1," and "NYC" mesmerized the audience, transporting them to the late 90s and early 2000s. "Roland," "Hands Away," "Stella Was a Diver And She Was Always Down," and "The New" closed out the first part of the show.

After a brief exit from the stage, Interpol returned, getting the fans dancing to the sound of "Next Exit," marking the beginning of the segment of the show dedicated to the band's second album, Antics. The album, a favorite of vocalist Paul Banks, was also a critical and commercial success, dispelling any possibility of a "sophomore slump."

The unmistakable bass line delivered the next song, “Evil,” getting everyone dancing and singing in unison and setting the pace for the rest of the performance. This was followed by “Narc,” “Take You On a Cruise,” and “Slow Hands.” The show continued with the setlist following the tracklist order of the album until the end.

Interactions with the audience were more subdued and brief, which on one hand contributed to the immersion provided by the light and sound show. However, the chorus of "Happy Birthday" for the bassist who accompanies the band on tours, Brad Truax , was undoubtedly a beautiful and welcome surprise for the fans and the members of Interpol.

The encore was "Untitled," ending the show in the best possible way and, as expected, leaving the audience in ecstasy.

Watching Interpol's two main albums live in their entirety was an unprecedented and, without a doubt, unforgettable experience for the fans. The audience's requests for songs not included in the setlist highlight the solid fanbase the band has built over the years and the quality of their work. Furthermore, it sends a strong message that Interpol is always very welcome in Brazil.

Our contributor Bruno Fernandes was also at the show and captured the night with exclusive photos. Check out the photo gallery below.