7/10

Since founding guitarist Daniel Kessler left the group back in 2010, Interpol have had some trouble finding their feet ever since. Their fifth full-length 'El Pintor' back in 2014 saw them attempt to resurrect their initial fire, which resulted in a confident release but one we felt was just the band going through the familiar motions. So now with some time to recover and adjust to their new situation, Interpol have returned with their sixth studio effort, and one that sees them exploring new ideas that hit the mark most of the time.

From the start, it is clear that 'Marauder' is very much Interpol, but now sees them stepping away from the formula of their original line-up as they look to redefine themselves as a strong and able post-punk outfit that is more keen on guitar hooks than a thundering rhythm section. Stripping back much of the intensity within their production, this new record sees them prefer a more swooning and soaring collective that are less about powerful riffs and more about a brooding and progressive atmosphere.

The lack of energy may come as a shock to the most hardcore Interpol, but the band have still managed to deliver a solid collection of tracks that aims to put them into a more forward-thinking light. It may not be the band we once knew, but one in the midst of a musical evolution that still has some bite to it.