"Evil" is the second single from Interpol’s 2004 album Antics and remains one of the band’s most iconic tracks. The song exemplifies Interpol’s approach to independent rock and post-punk revival, blending moody lyrics with infectious, upbeat instrumentals.
Musical Style and Composition
- Features a prominent, driving bassline, sharp guitar textures, and energetic drums.
- Paul Banks delivers the vocals in his distinctive, emotive baritone.
- The composition strikes a balance between dark undertones and a danceable tempo, making it one of the band’s most memorable and accessible songs.
Lyrics and Interpretation
- The lyrics are intentionally ambiguous, prompting a wide range of interpretations among listeners.
- Recurrent fan theories have suggested that the song references the crimes of Fred and Rosemary West due to the mention of "Rosemary" in the lyrics. However, Interpol has explicitly denied that the song is about serial killers or any real-life crime, clarifying in a 2024 interview that this is not the case.
- Paul Banks, Interpol’s lyricist, prefers to keep the song’s narrative open-ended, allowing listeners to find their own meaning. He has stated that the lyrics are meant to be evocative rather than direct.
- Common listener interpretations range from themes of loss and failed relationships to more abstract ideas about confronting one’s own darkness or guilt.
Cultural Impact and Reception
- "Evil" is a staple of Interpol’s live shows and has received significant acclaim from critics and fans alike.
- Its music video, featuring the memorable puppet character "Norman," became a hallmark of the 2000s for its surreal, unsettling imagery and creative storytelling.
- The song stands as a defining example of early 2000s indie rock and continues to influence contemporary alternative music.
In Summary
Interpol’s "Evil" is celebrated for its sonic craftsmanship and mysterious, thought-provoking lyrics. The band encourages listeners to derive their own interpretations, firmly rejecting any links to infamous criminal cases. The song remains a cornerstone of Interpol’s catalog and of the indie/post-punk scene of the 2000s.
