Interpol drummer Sam Fogarino has been discussing the departure of influential bass player Carlos Dengler, and has revealed Carlos may have quit because he was tired of touring and disliked playing the bass.
In an interview with Toronto’s Eye Weekly, Fogarino explained Dengler had grown tired of his instrument, despite the bassist playing a prominent part in the band’s sound. “Carlos really doesn’t like playing the bass guitar,” he said. “How integral is the bass to Interpol? I mean, it’s huge. It’s a total harmonic component. It’s hook-laden. But he really, really didn’t like the bass. It’s not his instrument of choice, and it definitely wasn’t his first instrument.”
Fogarino also revealed that he has hardly barely been in touch with Dengler since his decision to quit the band was made public in May. “I haven’t spoken to him in ages,” he explained. “I think it’s kind of understandable. When you spend 10 years together and you finally break up, you’re not gonna be on the phone every day.”
Since Dengler’s departure, Interpol have brought in Dave Pajo and Secret Machines’ Brandon Curtis as part of their touring band, a decision which Fogarino believes has brought new challenges to the remaining members. “It not only brings a level of comfort, it’s a challenge now,” he enthused. “Because those guys are fucking good.”
Interpol will release their self-titled fourth studio album, the last with Dengler on board, on September 7th.