There's no denying that, as we enter into the 21st century, Interpol are a hugely important and influential band. What's particularly amazing is that most of the band's following is built on but a single full-length album, not the extensive discography and back-catalogue that is normally required for such credibility. There's also no denying that "Antics" has been one of the most anticipated releases of 2004, as everybody watched with bated breath to see if Interpol can replicate their success, or stumble spectacularly on the 'difficult second album'.

There's good and bad news for fans of the band. The good news is that "Antics" doesn't make any significant missteps, and the dark tone that permeated "Turn Out The Bright Lights" survives mostly intact. The bad news is that, while this album is still a decent effort, it's not quite as good as most people had been hoping for.

Next Exit, which opens the album, also happens to be one of the best tracks here. Organs, piano, and an insistent beat form the backbone of this song, with gushing lyrics from Paul Banks that sound more like the rambling of Glenn Richards of Augie March than Ian Curtis, the former benchmark by which lazy critics have judged this band. Things get back to normal on NARC though, which is built around a simple guitar riff, with half-sung, half-mumbled lyrics exploding into a chanted, repetitive chorus lyric.

Slow Hands is another gem of post-punk songwriting, again with a gently chugging distorted guitar providing the foundation for Banks' vocals. The vocals, incidentally, are one area where this album shines brighter than its predecessor. He seems to have a much greater range, and he experiments with different styles of delivery that were nowhere to be seen previously. This is used to great effect on tracks like C'Mere and A Time To Be So Small, which sounds like a Cure B-side from the late 80s.

As I mentioned before though, not everything is rosy on this album. If "Turn Out The Bright Eyes" was insubstantial at times, "Antics" is practically spectral. It's impossible to really get a grip on any subject matter over the album, since everything is hidden beneath a cloak of lyrical abstraction and mystery. What you're essentially left with is a solid collection of downbeat rock songs, albeit rock songs that have impeccable construction and delivery.

Only a fool would say that "Antics" is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, the band has evolved considerably since their last effort. There are some truly great songs on here (Next Exit, NARC and Not Even Jail, to name a few), but it's not quite the thrill-a-minute ride that their debut was. Of course, up against such a good predecessor and high expectations, it was never quite going to reach what people expected. Lose your preconceptions and forget the hype, and you'll be quite pleased with what Interpol have to offer this time around.