KEY POINTS:
They're the New Yorkers who put joy back into the joyless. Strap on your happy goggles - Interpol are coming. This will be their second visit after playing here two years ago, only this time they'll draw from a bigger repertoire, including third album, Our Love to Admire. With an album title like that, it makes sense they're playing the St James on Valentine's Day.
They're not the only ones making the trip from the Big Apple. The National, who have been frequently compared to Interpol but with more of a country vibe adorned by brass, woodwind, strings and organs will play the Studio on Tuesday, January 15. (Tickets to both gigs are available from Real Groovy, the St James booking office and ticketdirect.co.nz)
Last but not least, Carlos Santana will play the Vector Arena on March 4, promoting his new album Ultimate Santana. Tickets through Ticketmaster from October 29.
