El Pintor
Interpol · 2014
39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of driving rhythms and atmospheric textures that captures both urgency and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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All the Rage Back Home Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's sonic aesthetic with its driving beat and haunting melodies, setting a compelling tone for the record. Its exploration of feelings of alienation aligns perfectly with the band's signature style.
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My Desire — With its infectious groove and introspective lyrics, this track highlights the band's ability to blend danceable rhythms with emotional depth. The juxtaposition of longing against an upbeat backdrop showcases their growth.
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Tidal Wave — This track stands out with its dynamic shifts and powerful instrumentation, embodying themes of chaos and resolution. It reflects the band's willingness to experiment while retaining their core identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
El Pintor showcases strong craftsmanship and layered soundscapes, though it doesn't fully break new ground.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a driving rhythm and layered guitars, setting an energetic tone that persists through the first half of the album.
- The album closes with a gradual build-up in 'Twice as Hard', which ends on a sustained note, leaving a lingering effect.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo exploration
- introspective vibes for reflection
- suitable for evening drives
- thoughtful lyrics to ponder
- consistent flow throughout album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seeking high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Interpol's continued vitality after a hiatus, blending urgency and introspection.
- Career context
- El Pintor is Interpol's fifth studio album, released in 2014 after a four-year hiatus following their self-titled album. This record marked the band’s return with a renewed focus on crafting layered soundscapes while continuing to evolve their post-punk revival sound. It represents a significant moment in their career as they reestablished themselves after the departure of bassist Carlos Dengler.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The National· Editors· Franz Ferdinand
Tracklist
- 1 All the Rage Back Home Start here 4:22
- 2 My Desire 5:00
- 3 Anywhere 3:12
- 4 Same Town, New Story 4:09
- 5 My Blue Supreme 3:09
- 6 Everything Is Wrong 3:33
- 7 Breaker 1 4:13
- 8 Ancient Ways 3:00
- 9 Tidal Wave 4:18
- 10 Twice as Hard 4:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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