Full Review

The Interrupters, In The Wild Review

The Interrupters are releasing their new album titled, In The Wild. Overflowing with fourteen tracks, the band brings us stories of survival and resilience with an energy that rejects the easy impulses of simply repeating what has worked before with their three studio albums and over a decade in the music game. The album took shape during the lockdown with vocalist Aimee Interrupter, her partner and guitarist Kevin Bivona, and his younger twin brothers, Jesse (drums) and Justin (bass). After building a home studio in their garage together, Kevin stepped up and took charge of production duties to become “the accountable one” this time. As a result, the record took shape in an atmosphere of fun and friendship, floating across a variety of punk rock, doo-wop, gospel, dancehall, and the band’s customary nods to the lineage of two-tone. It’s further evidenced in the uplifting spirit and the glittering rollcall of guests (Tim Armstrong, Rhoda Dakar, Hepcat, The Skints). The forced time at home gave The Interrupters a period of much-needed rest, followed by an injection of creative energy that led to In The Wild in addition to a documentary film about their lives and their first trip to Japan.

In The Wild opens with a strong selection titled “Anything Was Better.” This high-energy song will remind you that when Ska mixed with pop-punk is done with sincerity and reverence, it is a powerful force that is emotive. Aimee’s vocals are lovely, aggressive, full, and packed with irreverence. “Raised By Wolves” continues the robust pop-punk vibe with another well-written number that keeps the focus on Aimee’s marvellous singing. Aimee produces a wonderful timbre and vocal glissandos in “In The Mirror” as the band supports her with energy and full-bodied instrument sounds. The intimate environment and relaxed working practices of the recording process give this set of songs an aura of the most intimate Interrupters album to date. The band was joined by Tim Armstrong and Two-Tone legend Rhoda Dakar from the Bodysnatchers to share the mic with Aimee on “As We Live.” Overall, In The Wild has many moods, feels, and styles, each with its own hook and character. Aimee is an outstanding vocalist, and paired with the band’s relatable songwriting, In The Wild is at the top for this year’s Ska release, and that’s the short of it!