American rockers Interpol have released their new self-titled album. Hailing from the alternative rock scene of New York City, they have three prior albums under their belt. Turn on the Bright Lights, released in 2002, put the band on the musical radar, but the albums Antics, in 2004, and Our Love to Admire, in 2007, made them a household name.

Interpol is the band’s moodiest album yet: reminiscent of their freshman effort, though a departure from the upbeat tone and style of Antics and Our Love to Admire. This album combines heavy guitar riffs and string instruments to create a sense of experimentation and romanticism.

“Try it On” differs immensely from the other tracks on the album. The song begins with a piano instead of a guitar. Front man Paul Banks’ soft vocals give the song a heartfelt tone, straying from the edgier vocals on other tracks.

The track “Memory Serves” is bursting with guitar rock. The song starts as a steady march consistently playing the same chords and finishes with an unexpected, intricate piano finale.

As a whole, their latest outing is more experimental and orchestral, but echoes the darker emotions expressed on their first album, reminding fans why they fell in love with Interpol in the first place.

For fans of: Silversun Pickups, Sounds Under Radio, The Strokes

Grade: B