The Interrupters ‘In The Wild’: Record Review

30 Aug The Interrupters ‘In The Wild’: Record Review

by Marisa Torrieri Bloom 

The Interrupters’ anarchist anthem “Take Back the Power” is the rallying cry of our times, and the moment I heard it, I felt like someone had just splashed water in my face. As singer Aimee Interrupter cried out, “What’s your plan for tomorrow? Are you a leader, or will you follow?” the part of me that had quasi-hibernated during Barack Obama’s presidency woke up.

The song also reawakened my love of skanking to the beat. The Interrupters dish out the kind of fast-paced punk and ska that fuels the fight against injustice, but also the kind that makes you want to dance. That’s why they’re my favorite band.

That’s also why I’ve seen them three times over the last three years, including this past summer, when they toured with psychobilly gods Tiger Army, UK reggae-punk band The Skints, and Flogging Molly (who were, sadly, sidelined by Covid during their June 28th New Haven stop). This is no easy feat, as I have two young children, and going to a weeknight show requires some schedule maneuvering and possible babysitter fees. 

But this summer’s shows were their best ones yet, thanks to the release of their fourth full-length studio album, In The Wild, also their best record yet.

On In the Wild, there are songs for everyone — anyone who’s ever tried to run hard from their demons, anyone who loves their pet, and anyone who needs a few pub songs while throwing darts at a New Orleans watering hole.

The upbeat single “In the Mirror” is one of the coolest, and possibly the wisest, of the 14-song collection, with its memorable and relatable refrain of, “no matter how far I run, I always end up back here.” But there’s plenty to love for fans of bands like Operation Ivy, Rancid, or even No Doubt, who just want a high-energy ska tune (or several). If that’s you, check out the peppy “As we Live” (featuring Tim Armstrong and Rhoda Dakar of the Bodysnatchers), the seriously chill reggae jam “Kiss the Ground,” and the racy, California-punk track “Jailbird” with its perfect “whoa-oh-ohs.”

I can’t say enough about the musicianship here. While singers often get all the attention, and Aimee’s mental health and life experiences have led to the creation of an epic record, the Bivona brothers — drummer Jesse, bassist Justin, and guitarist Kevin — also possess epic talent. The guitar licks and bass runs are more stylistically varied and distinctive than on previous records, and some of the smallest moments (like the guitar solo on “My Heart,” a ballad with a 1950s feel) stand out in a big way. 

Seeing The Interrupters play live is a testament to their collective — and individual — talent. Even when the band must stop playing mid-set to call out aggressive mosh pit behavior (which happened several times at the New Haven concert I attended in June), they were able to pick up exactly where they left off a few seconds later. 

What’s clear throughout the record, and on stage, is that this is a band that lives to play — but also plays to live. And for these reasons, it’s clear why their fanbase is growing faster than any other band’s in recent memory. There isn’t a bad song on In the Wild, and I’m stoked to see them return to my town — hopefully to warm my heart in the cold, New England winter. 

Marisa Torrieri Bloom is the founder and editor of Rockmommy