Interpol have a well-deserved reputation for putting on awe-inspiring shows that deliver an emotional kick to the head of all those present. Tonight they strut their stuff in Brisbane, and although the venue wasn’t packed, those in attendance will not soon forget the fantastic show.

Youth Group ’s cover of Forever Young is forever burned into the brain of anyone who listened to radio in 2006. They’ve been spirited away recording their new album, and tonight they unleashed some new tracks from it, including the spectacular I Think It’s A Sign. Frontman Toby Martin delivers his vocals with an intensity that had recently been missing, and it’s great to see his bandmates filling out the sound with some powerful rock, especially on the acoustic-driven All This Shall Pass. Popular songs Skeleton Jar and Catching A Killer have the crowd nodding and tapping, and they end with another new song. Strangely, but thankfully, Forever Young doesn’t make an appearance – it looks as though the band are as keen to get away from it as the rest of us. Tonight’s show was both enchanting and intense – make no mistake, Youth Group are back, and they’re better than ever.

Of course, when it comes to music that is enchanting and intense, there’s none better than Interpol, and it takes all of one song to prove it. From it’s soft haunting opening, to the spine-tingling vocal solo to close, Pioneer To The Falls hits like a smack to the jaw, and is a near perfect introduction to the Interpol show. Obstacle 2 gets a well deserved cheer, and has the whole crowd singing along – maybe noone really knows what the lyrics mean, but whatever comes out of Paul Banks ’ mouth tonight, the crowd loves. C’mere ’s driving beat provides plenty of chances for the crowd to clap along, and the high tempo Say Hello To The Angels lifts the tempo and intensity in equal measure.

Interpol might be best known for Banks’ unique voice, but it’s often guitarist Daniel Kessler who’s the man to watch on stage. His brilliant guitar work evokes the emotional core of Interpol, and he’s the only one who appears to be having any fun to boot. Bassist Carlos is his usual introspective self – it’s like he’s playing for himself, and it’s just a coincidence that the rest of us are there at all. Banks’ vocals get a workout on No I In Threesome and Hands Away, but the highlight track of the night is the stilted The Lighthouse, as Kessler thrashes out single repeated jangly notes, while Banks sings haunting rhythms over the top – it leaves the crowd awestruck. The second half of the set feels slower than the first, and the lack of any interaction or banter with the crowd is starting to sting, but the quieter moments still pack a punch, as the band plays up their air of mystery with smoke surrounding the stage, and as they finish with Not Even Jail, the crowd gives them a roaring cheer. With an encore of NYC and PDA, they thank Youth Group and the crowd (the most that Banks has actually said to us all night) and head backstage. There might not be much witty banter, but Interpol leave it all out on stage in their songs, and that’s something any music fan can and should appreciate. We certainly do tonight.