Carlos and Paul spot a cloud that looks like Ian CurtisProbably one of my favourite acts to emerge from NYC over the last few years decided to once again tour London. The first time being a support slot for Japanese electronic experimentalists Cornelius way back in 2002 which I attended. I didn't have a clue who Interpol were at the time and they certainly left no impression on myself or my friends who attended. The sound was weak and the gentleman in the black suits, white shirts and skinny black ties seemed very unassured of themselves. A few months later 'Turn on the Bright Lights' was released when I was still in bondage at HMV Bond Street, running the electronic music section. One of my colleagues decided to throw 'NYC' on the DAT and I quickly purchased the album the following day.

Fast forward 3 years and the same gentlemen have hit the big time. 'Turn on the Bright Light's ended up selling 2,000,000 units and 'Antics' isn't in bad shape either. We trundled into the Brixton fairly early on in the evening, wary of the shooting that had occured there 3 weeks prior (the bullets are still in the ceiling apparently). Nevertheless, that didn't stop me from successfully attempting to smuggle in half a bottle of Jack Daniel's to keep us company during the evening. Overall, the songs were tight and fast and there was no mucking about. Paul's not one for much banter and most of the dialogue consisted of 'thankyou',  'thankyou very much', and ' thankyou to M83 for playing support' which was consistent with the brief conversation I had with him at Glastonbury 2003 outside the main dance tent when he was teetering on the edge of a narcotics induced collapse. Seriously, the man was not in good shape. I guess it didn't help that he was still wearing his black suit in 30 degree heat. The sound quality overall was the best I've heard for any act playing that venue and it reinforces my belief that a lot of support acts just get a bum deal with the crap equipment they can afford or are given for their support slots. It was still very strange to see hundreds of people mouthing the words ' Stella I love you'. Anyways, a great gig, particularly after some of the average acts I've been to recently.

• Drowned in Sound Review of the Friday night performance
• 101 things to which you can compare Interpol besides Joy Division
• Purchase 'Turn on the Bright Lights'
• Purchase 'Antics'