Indie in Name Only

They’re still calling their music “indie” rock, even though the four former New York University retro-hipsters who together form Interpol are now touring on Our Love to Admire, their third record and first since signing with a plucky startup label called Capitol Records. Not to begrudge some brothers for trading up while the trading is good – but music fans should relinquish the pretense that Interpol’s brand of deliberate, spare songcraft isn’t positioned to be as catchy as possible while still lulling the listener into thinking that he or she’s appreciating something that not just anyone would understand.

No, by now it’s apparent that hordes understand Interpol’s understated echoes of the Pixies, Joy Division, the Smiths, the Cure, etc., else the lads wouldn’t be jaunting around cavernous, publicly financed buildings named for cell phone companies. Still, they may have ballooned too quickly. This show would be tell-your-grandkids good at a small venue such as the Polish American Club on NW 22nd Avenue. Instead, you’re going to witness indie-rock-turned-arena rock, but don’t let that ruin it. If you’re going, and you should, for Chrissakes, pretend you’re in Brixton circa 1983. When they bust out “Slow Hands,” imagine the ceiling and walls much snugger, and raise three minutes of bedlam. Doors open an hour before the show, which the Liars kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the BankUnited Center (1245 Dauer Dr., Coral Gables). Tickets will set you back $28.50, plus the usual “service” gouging by Ticketmaster, which you can call at 954-523-3309, or patronize digitally at www.ticketmaster.com.
Wed., Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.