Antics
by Interpol
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Sep 28, 2004
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 246 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 230 out of 246
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 246
  3. Negative: 7 out of 246

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AaronR
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    Considering the immense pressure on Interpol after their near perfect debut, Antics is a miracle. Infinitely more complex then TOTBL, it's also denser, more subtle, more musically varied, and much more melodic. Not only is Antics more consistent track for track, it should also put to rest all of the inaccurate comparisons with Joy Division and the Chameleons UK. (As an enormous fan Considering the immense pressure on Interpol after their near perfect debut, Antics is a miracle. Infinitely more complex then TOTBL, it's also denser, more subtle, more musically varied, and much more melodic. Not only is Antics more consistent track for track, it should also put to rest all of the inaccurate comparisons with Joy Division and the Chameleons UK. (As an enormous fan of these early post-punk bands I have to say, honestly, that Interpol really does NOT sound like Joy Division; their music is the opposite of JDs sparse sound and circular structure) If you want a musical comparison, I think Echo and the Bunnymen's "Heaven Up Here" or the Sounds "Heads and Hearts" might be closest. Anyway, Antics somehow improves on the debut, paul Banks vocals are mixed up front this time, and the quality of the guitars is almost on par now with the ridiculously precise rythym section. This is one of the most gorgous sounding albums I can remember hearing in LONG time.… Expand
  2. Tom
    Sep 27, 2004
    9
    There is no filler on this album, every song is at least *good.* And there are 4 classics on this one (Not Even Jail, Take you on a Cruise, C'mere, and Evil). The NYC best band debate is officially closed.
  3. chrise
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    Its a great album after the darkness from TOTBL, here comes the real "bright light"..100% enjoyable
  4. KyleB
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    I personally preferred TOTBL, but I am definitely not disappointed by this album, Take You On A Cruise and Slow Hands in particular!
  5. SamB
    Sep 25, 2004
    9
    This CD is awesome. Definitely check it out if you like A) Turn on the bright lights B) The Arcade Fire and/or C) Good Music
  6. JoelT
    Sep 25, 2004
    8
    The main question with regards to the follow up of a classic debut is not whether the new album improves upon the first but whether it maintains the illusion. To get the bad news out of the way first, 'Antics' is not an improvement on '....Bright Lights' but the good news is that it has all the moves to dismiss any talk of these boys as one-trick ponies. With The main question with regards to the follow up of a classic debut is not whether the new album improves upon the first but whether it maintains the illusion. To get the bad news out of the way first, 'Antics' is not an improvement on '....Bright Lights' but the good news is that it has all the moves to dismiss any talk of these boys as one-trick ponies. With 'Antics' Interpol have played the card that ensures their position in the big time for some years to come yet. Roll on 2006 and album number three...… Expand
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Album of 2004
14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2004
21
#21 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. E! Online
    100
    There's something totally irresistible about Antics: The air of mystery, the bleak but hopeful arrangements and the melodies so sharp and moving that they might inspire a night of heroic partying.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    An album scored through with a vehement beauty that, with each listen, becomes all the more acute for its unwillingness to shy away from life's bleaker, more painful moments. [25 Sep 2004, p.62]
  3. Q Magazine
    90
    Antics is ridiculously good. [Oct 2004, p.112]
See all critic reviews »