'TONI' - INTERPOL

2022- All in all, ‘Toni’ is a great first single release. Its harmonious, punchy and broody tone remain true to the quintessential Interpol sound while offering new listen-worthy components you won’t want to miss.

FULL REVIEW BELOW

PHOTO VIA @INTERPOL + INTERPOLNYC.COM

Single debut, ‘Toni’ from soon-to-be-released 7th studio album ‘The Other Side of Make-Believe’ from Interpol.

It would be hard to miss an Interpol song if you tried. Frontman, Paul Banks, classic broody, baritone voice. Guitarist, Daniel Kessler’s snappy and distinguished guitar, and drum aficionado, Sam Fogarino bring together the classic Interpol sound we all know and love in latest single ‘Toni’.

Sure there’s been some member changes since 2002 debut 'Turn on the Bright Lights’, however the dynamic trio remains relevant with album successes in ‘El Pintor’ (2014) and ‘Marauder’ (2018) and the trajectory appears to only be moving forward. I’d be remiss to not add the EP drop ‘A Fine Mess’ (2019) into this mix. This was perhaps my favorite of the three. ‘The Weekend’ turned out to be my top most listened to track of 2019 and 2020, and for good reason.

While we wait for the full studio album release of ‘The Other Side of Make-Believe’, Banks, Kessler, and Fogarino kindly grace us with single ‘Toni’.

In true Interpol fashion, the cinematic layers begin immediately with a melodic piano welcome. In comes the bass. In comes the hi-hat and bass drum. A soft, but sense of urgency begin to build as Paul Banks’ voice slides in.

There’s a softness in the vocals here that’s worth note. Particularly in the first verses before the chorus, and again after. This is a dynamic shift that I’ve heard in their 2019 EP as well, and one I particularly enjoy. Not to fret, though, Banks’ punchy power-forward vocals come through full force in the chorus and remain woven throughout.

In my opinion, Kessler’s presence in this particular single is what makes this track. There’s a steady riff that’s so catchy and is layered perfectly between the contemplative vocals and steady beat of the drums. I almost didn’t catch it at first. Around minute mark 3:16 Kessler’s guitar drops in with noticeably separable, receptive balance. This is also my favorite part of this song. It’s the moment when all the elements that have been building come together. You find yourself tapping you foot. Nodding your head. It’s good shit.

Banks’ poignant vocals begin to soften as this track comes to a close while Fogarino shows us a steady exit with the last beats on the drums.

All in all, ‘Toni’ is a great first single release. Its harmonious, punchy and broody tone remain true to the quintessential Interpol sound while offering new listen-worthy components you won’t want to miss.

Check out ‘Toni’ on available streaming services, Youtube, and at @Interpol via Instagram.

Official music video below.