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Interpol is often accused of paying more attention to their haircuts than music. But good grooming habits don't always equate hollow souls. The New York band's sophomore album revisits the dark themes of its classic debut, Turn On The Bright Lights, drawing further inspiration from the likes of Joy Division and early Duran Duran. The band sounds more energetic in places ("C'Mere") and infinitely more depressed in others ("Next Exit"). The best songs, however, such as "Evil" and "Slow Hands," not only strike just the right balance but sound totally emotional, mournful, debauched, and ultimately, inevitably life-affirming. --Aidin Vaziri