El Pintor
by Interpol
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2014
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 145 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 145
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 145
  3. Negative: 5 out of 145
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  1. Noiseblock
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    Interpol is at a new peak. El Pintor is like a pleasant combination of the ,,TOTBL"-styled use of guitar and the splendid, yet ominous songwriting of Our Love to admire. There are several new, thrilling experiments on the old and time-tested Interpol-esque sounds, most prominent on Same Town, New Story and Twice as hard. Interpol tries new, more eclectronic based approaches and getsInterpol is at a new peak. El Pintor is like a pleasant combination of the ,,TOTBL"-styled use of guitar and the splendid, yet ominous songwriting of Our Love to admire. There are several new, thrilling experiments on the old and time-tested Interpol-esque sounds, most prominent on Same Town, New Story and Twice as hard. Interpol tries new, more eclectronic based approaches and gets rewarded for it. It´s definitely Interpol at core, but still not the same Interpol everyone expected. A splendid album.

    (PS: The Tiny Mix Tapes-Review is the most biased review of an album i´ve read so far. if you want to write a good, yet critical review, look at the one the critic on Pitchfork wrote. I just felt the need to say that.)    … Expand
  2. EdgarRubio
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    In my opinion El Pintor is not a "return to form" as a lot of people say. Interpol didn't lose the form, they just evolved into something quieter and more atmospheric.
    This album is just a proof that they can go back to an upbeat sound without losing the charm and the elegance.
    But I differ from all the people (and critics) saying this is Interpol going back to their roots. The album    In my opinion El Pintor is not a "return to form" as a lot of people say. Interpol didn't lose the form, they just evolved into something quieter and more atmospheric.
    This album is just a proof that they can go back to an upbeat sound without losing the charm and the elegance.
    But I differ from all the people (and critics) saying this is Interpol going back to their roots. The album doesn't even sound like ToTBL. It kind of sounds like the album that should have been released between Antics and OLTA.

    I might be one of the few Interpol fans that think that Antics is better than ToTBL, and as a fan of the band I think El Pintor is at the same level of those two records.    … Expand
  3. BrushedRed
    Aug 20, 2015
    9
    I don't really care what anyone says, this album rules. It seems like mixed reception, but in my opinion, a lot of this feels like TotBL. They've rebounded very well after their lackluster self-titled album. The first half contrasts with the second half to make a very interesting album. The only song I didn't care for as a whole is "Twice as Hard".. It was a little boring, but the rest ofI don't really care what anyone says, this album rules. It seems like mixed reception, but in my opinion, a lot of this feels like TotBL. They've rebounded very well after their lackluster self-titled album. The first half contrasts with the second half to make a very interesting album. The only song I didn't care for as a whole is "Twice as Hard".. It was a little boring, but the rest of the album is so sick! "Tidal Wave" is probably one of my favorite, if not my favorite, songs in the past decade. I'd go as far as to say that El Pintor is my Album of the Year 2014. It's wonderful!… Expand
  4. lesmartels
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    The first 5 songs get a 10. The 5 last songs get an 8. ''My Desire'', ''My Blue Supreme'', ''Anywhere'' and ''Same Town New Story'' are perfect. Their best album since ''Antics'' .
  5. exodus9237
    Sep 9, 2014
    8
    I'm gonna start saying that El Pintor isn't Interpol's best. It's clear that it falls behind Turn On The Bright Lights and Antics, but it's the place it deserves. After two seriously weak albums (2010's Interpol being the most boring), El Pintor is a fresh new approach, with melodies that really sound like Interpol but also have new surprising elements. Highlights: All The Rage Back Home,I'm gonna start saying that El Pintor isn't Interpol's best. It's clear that it falls behind Turn On The Bright Lights and Antics, but it's the place it deserves. After two seriously weak albums (2010's Interpol being the most boring), El Pintor is a fresh new approach, with melodies that really sound like Interpol but also have new surprising elements. Highlights: All The Rage Back Home, My Blue Supreme and Breaker 1, make a statement.… Expand
  6. normankant
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    Interpol made another fantastic album. This is one of their best works, there are amazing guitars, an intense drumming, the powerful bass and the moving vocals. It's an accessible record, full of great dark songs. It's raw and rhythmic, as opposed to the metaphysical quiet of the precedent album.
  7. ovrthtop34
    Sep 13, 2014
    7
    As I write this review I am listening to this album for the 10th time. I am no expert on music. I don't have an in depth grasp of musical theory and I can't play an instrument save for the occasional air drumming or guitar. What I do know is what I like, especially about music. I'm an Interpol fan. I awaited this album with anticipation. Unlike many I was not overly critical of Our Love toAs I write this review I am listening to this album for the 10th time. I am no expert on music. I don't have an in depth grasp of musical theory and I can't play an instrument save for the occasional air drumming or guitar. What I do know is what I like, especially about music. I'm an Interpol fan. I awaited this album with anticipation. Unlike many I was not overly critical of Our Love to Admire or Interpol. I felt each of these productions had their flashes of brilliance. So now, as I write this review and "Twice as Hard" plays, I hear flashes of beauty and elegance and I am swept away at times. Other times I am brought down hoping for and expecting more. El Pintor starts out roaring with what I feel is the excellent "All the Rage Back Home" and the listener is exposed to introductory themes both lyrically, rhythmically, dynamically, and tonal to say the least. The song is an outstanding introduction to the album in my mind. "My Desire" is a strong follow up but a significant shift in tone and theme but does not break album unity in my opinion. While the song does regress to a homogeneous fabric, it is not a major detraction, but not quite what we are introduced to. Next up is "Anywhere" which starts out strong, upbeat, and in unity rhythmically with our introduction, but it regresses as well, shifting away from what Interpol does best but not a bad song. On "Same Town, New Story" some very intriguing musical themes arise, especially with the guitars, and at times the song is quite elegant, but again we see shifts away from what makes the song the strongest which brings me to the main point of all this: The album is ever shifting and lacks a certain unity, but up to this point it's not too far out of place, just not quite right but the album next shifts to "My Blue Supreme" and there is a certain sonorous unity that emerges and the album seems to unify somewhat.This unity is struck down somewhat by "Everything is Wrong" which presents as my second if not my favorite song on the album. Certain guitar effects are echoed from earlier, but the off time rhythm feels right and I need not say more about this song that I simply love. What follows are a decent echo of Interpol of the past merged with Interpol of the future such as "Breaker 1" which has some haunting musical elements that violate the unity somewhat in my mind but are still strong with a synth background working just fine. Unfortunately the entire album unity is broken down with "Ancient Ways", a song I like, but seems out of place in my mind. They bring it back with "Tidal Wave" and it is this part of the album, where I felt it lost much of what I feel could have made it great. While they brought the album down a notch with "Twice as Hard" and finish with the modest "The Depths" the album comes to a close and the listener is left with a good but not great Interpol record.… Expand
  8. ursamajorny
    Sep 16, 2014
    9
    The new Interpol album is a triumphant return to form (albeit not quite hitting the melancholic heights of "Turn on the bright lights", which when I moved to NYC in 2002 was truly zeitgeist-defining). For a band that sounded so utterly spent and on the brink of collapse when I last saw them in July 2011, they sound rejuvenated in their own distinctive tightly-wound style. Yes, it soundsThe new Interpol album is a triumphant return to form (albeit not quite hitting the melancholic heights of "Turn on the bright lights", which when I moved to NYC in 2002 was truly zeitgeist-defining). For a band that sounded so utterly spent and on the brink of collapse when I last saw them in July 2011, they sound rejuvenated in their own distinctive tightly-wound style. Yes, it sounds unmistakably Interpol-ish, but then that was perhaps always going to be the most important point.… Expand
  9. marshall100
    Sep 17, 2014
    9
    Having immersed myself in the songs that were released way ahead of the album, all of which I felt were quite strong, I feared that the album couldn't possibly be that good. Well I was very wrong, it's a very well balanced album. I'm not sure what all the fuss about Turn on the Bright Lights is to be honest (thought I'd re-visit that album while writing this, and yes, it's very good!). TheHaving immersed myself in the songs that were released way ahead of the album, all of which I felt were quite strong, I feared that the album couldn't possibly be that good. Well I was very wrong, it's a very well balanced album. I'm not sure what all the fuss about Turn on the Bright Lights is to be honest (thought I'd re-visit that album while writing this, and yes, it's very good!). The strength of any musician or band is the ability to evolve, and head off in new directions while still remaining true to the original sound. It will appeal to a far broader audience. If you like what you've heard so far, then you won't be disappointed by getting the full album.

    There have been some brilliant album releases this year, this is easily one of them. My only gripe is that it's a little short, however if keeping you hooked and wanting more was the objective, then they've nailed it. I like it.    … Expand
  10. WXYZ
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    Simply beautiful. They have gone back to their old style and have made an album either almost equal to, or just a second version of "Turn on the Bright Lights".
  11. shinto
    Sep 11, 2014
    9
    TOTBL is overrated. The critics know very little. Each Interpol record has been better than the last. I love the 4th S/T record, and ELPINTOR is awesome.
  12. LmTz
    Sep 12, 2014
    7
    I can't help looking back at TOTBL whenever these guys put out new material. With each release I hope with all my heart to get knocked out my chair the same way their debut album did. Those songs caught you off guard with mind-blowing changes in rhythm and melody. Hardly no song in there was straight-forward. That said, does El Pintor accomplish all of this glory? Sadly no, but not withoutI can't help looking back at TOTBL whenever these guys put out new material. With each release I hope with all my heart to get knocked out my chair the same way their debut album did. Those songs caught you off guard with mind-blowing changes in rhythm and melody. Hardly no song in there was straight-forward. That said, does El Pintor accomplish all of this glory? Sadly no, but not without respectable effort. Most importantly, I feel this record suffers greatly from the absence of Carlos D bass lines. Paul Banks does the job alright, but I feel like the bass is just hanging in the back, going along timidly with the rest. It's definitely there, but it's straight-forward, it's lukewarm even. The guitar melodies are beautiful, but it feels dry a lot of times and within each individual song, it also lacks a bit of creativity and variety. What I mean is that, while listening to this album, I am constantly imagining how they could have gone a different path in many sections; shake those guitar riffs/melodies up a little bit instead of just plainly repeating it over and over. Did I dislike this album then? Absolutely no, it's a very good listen overall and makes me glad to see them back together recording good stuff. Paul falsettos are a very welcome addition, I think. It may be a little bit too much sometimes, but still. I'd like to point out a few songs I am truly digging: All the Rage Back Home, My Desire, Everything is Wrong and Ancient Ways. Ancient Ways is my number one: it's cacophonous yet positively so: it's chaotic and the drums are punchy and fast.… Expand
  13. Ricko
    Jul 22, 2015
    8
    The future looked bleaker than usual for Interpol after the release of their eponymous 4th album. Mixed reception for the record and the departure of integral bass player Carlos D looked like the race was run for the band. Amazingly, with their backs to the wall, the remaining members have managed to pull off their best piece of work in a decade. It's not as fresh sounding as their geniusThe future looked bleaker than usual for Interpol after the release of their eponymous 4th album. Mixed reception for the record and the departure of integral bass player Carlos D looked like the race was run for the band. Amazingly, with their backs to the wall, the remaining members have managed to pull off their best piece of work in a decade. It's not as fresh sounding as their genius debut nor as powerful as follow up "Antics", but there isn't a weak track to be found on "El Pintor", something that you could not say about their previous 2 albums. Every tracks has the feel of a band with renewed purpose and energy. The long break since their last album paid off dividends. I won't pick out highlights as the whole record is worth checking out and fits together superbly. Glad to have you back Interpol… Expand
  14. grohk
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    Interpol shows that sometimeS maturing as a band can be more rewarding than remaining stuck in the past. Carlos' departure opened up a new dynamic between the remaining members. The songs are tight and the album flows very well. Recommended, my album of the year so far.
  15. rogava3
    Sep 22, 2014
    9
    Well this band always have had good albums, and this album El Pintor, is good sounds like Turn on the Bright Lights, but also have a different sound, like said Paul Banks, in some songs sound different because Carlos Dengler left the band, and the want to sound different.
  16. Muddsjr
    Oct 24, 2014
    8
    After the boring, uninspired plod of their 4th self-titled album and their prior album Our Love to Admire, Interpol have genuinely impressed me once more, precisely as they did with their second album Antics and even Turn on the Bright Lights. El Pintor is certainly an improvement and altogether a recommendable return to their earlier and much more loved grounds.
  17. cernesto
    Sep 15, 2014
    8
    I may not be your typical Interpol fan, finding their best and most mature work in Our Love to Admire... Yet, I commute with the majority saying their homonymous 2010 album is the band's lowest peak... El Pintor is what I was expecting from Interpol.. A fresh comeback... I find this album both refreshing and vigorous... I am enjoying its melodic charge... A Solid 8 for me... for lack of anI may not be your typical Interpol fan, finding their best and most mature work in Our Love to Admire... Yet, I commute with the majority saying their homonymous 2010 album is the band's lowest peak... El Pintor is what I was expecting from Interpol.. A fresh comeback... I find this album both refreshing and vigorous... I am enjoying its melodic charge... A Solid 8 for me... for lack of an 8.5 option...… Expand
  18. deax
    Jul 23, 2022
    10
    El Pintor is one of the few albums that can connect to me in a deep level. Delivers high quality, deep and meaningful songs, that can easily get me sentimental. It's like a friend that understands you.
    This has high sentimental value for me, and gives me a lot of nostalgia. Definitely on my top 5.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Most Discussed Album of 2014
57
#57 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Magnet
    Sep 18, 2014
    45
    Sadly, "Everything Is Wrong" announces another second-half fade, the back side congealing into the same zombie histrionics that sank Interpol. [No. 113, p.57]
  2. The Quietus
    Sep 18, 2014
    70
    It's not wholly convincing, but underneath it all, the melodies sound nostalgic, and enlightened--a contrarian whiplash reaction only a band like Interpol could get away with.
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  3. Blurt Magazine
    Sep 15, 2014
    80
    El Pintor is not Antics or Turn on the Bright Lights, there are not as many immediate hooks and riffs that were present on these earlier releases; instead, the solid music on El Pintor unveils a nuanced mellowing that has taken over the last two releases from Interpol.
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