Interpol, Brixton Academy, London

Wearing a suit to a gig is only mandatory if a) there’s some kind of Arcade Fire dress code being applied or b) Interpol are playing. Four albums in and midway through finishing their fifth, here stands a band just as sharp - even slicker, actually - than the precocious bunch that first stepped forward at the turn of the century. Even with personnel changes and the odd hitch in their back catalogue, Paul Banks leads his band through a performance that was practically designed for Brixton Academy’s towering arches.

That’s quite the achievement, especially considering a thunderous set from Royal Blood that precedes it. The Sussex duo give everything to outdo the headliners. Circa Waves’ hopscotching, bouncy numbers and Temples’ wig-out psych also provide formidable challenges. The mood for sophisticated New York licks might be subdued by the time the bill-toppers arrive a few minutes past stage time. But a quick run through ‘Say Hello To The Angels’ - light show the same crimson red as debut ‘Turn On The Bright Lights” iconic art - sets things straight. Arms flail. Suits are in. Dapper’s here to stay.

Old numbers are in pristine form. ‘Evil’ dashes by with the venue chanting in unison. ‘Not Even Jail’ essentially turns Brixton into one synchronised handclap. New songs - and let’s not forget the purpose of this show is to give them an early run - sound slightly more shapeless on first impression. Place them back to back with ‘Take Me On A Cruise’ or ‘C’Mere’ and it’s like comparing Banks’ three-piece attire with a new woolly jumper - there’s potential, but the newbies need to be worn in. One song stands out. It has the same space, the same swagger as early favourites. It’s called ‘All The Rage Back Home’ and it has every right to mingle with giants tonight.

The set opens and closes with songs from the group’s 2002 debut. That’s probably for a reason. Between the opener and the grand finale of ‘Obstacle 1’, even in new material Interpol are sporting a more resolute, driven and altogether more vicious sound. A brief hiatus, the permanent departure of Carlos Dengler - this isn’t stopping the slickest band going in their tracks anytime soon. In fact they sound more determined than ever to return to an upward trajectory.