The Interrupters - Self-titled

This self-titled debut album was released by ska band The Interrupters in 2014.

The recording style is quite gritty, often prioritising snarling attitude (i.e. the vocals and guitar) over a smooth and enjoyable sound. On some songs, the bass guitar doesn't really cut through, but mostly it's all well balanced. A highlight is the dub-style echo effects during the occasional voice-solo breakdowns. That's enough chin-scratching though, let's get into the songs...

Take Back the Power kicks things off with a nicely infectious pop-punk ditty. I really enjoy the anti-authoritarian lyrics and the singalong chorus. There aren't a lot of musical ideas present, so it slightly wears out its welcome by 3 minutes. Liberty is similarly raucus pop-punk, with a wonderful chorus, especially the 2nd half.

White Noise (not The Living End song!), A Friend Like Me and Last Call all execute a Buck-O-Nine style of ska to great effect. The first two also have wonderful lyrics, while Last Call's are a bit prosaic, letting the song down.

Judge Not mixes things up with a wonderfully bouncy two-tone cover of the Bob Marley song. I really dig the contrast between the biting lyrics and the carefree musical style, and the dub-style vocals in the bridge is another highlight.

Does anyone remember Goldfinger's song "Answers"? Because This is the New Sound also drops a menacing rocksteady bassline with the tempo ratcheted up. The venomous lyrics are the icing on the cake, particularly the refrain of "Work 'till you're old / bottled and sold" for the bridge.

Family is an amusing ska ditty, complete with uplifting chorus. Arrangement-wise, its a bit disjointed between sections, but let's not take things too seriously here. Special mention goes to the fast-paced percussion (cowbell perhaps?) added for the repeated final chorus.

<rant mode engaged...> I posit that Easy on You is a modern callback to The Specials' classic Hey Little Rich Girl. In comparing both songs as products of their times, The Specials' songs has a bit of a judgemental vibe to it, whereas The Interrupters' lyrics treat our lead character (regardless of socio-economic status) with compassion and sympathy. Nonetheless, both are incredible songs. My favourite elements are the catchy opening guitar riff, the vivid storytelling, the energetic ska groove, the suspenseful pre-chorus, the infectious chorus... is there anything I've missed? In summary, it's fantastic from start to finish.

Haven't Seen the Last of Me is similar to Family but with a bit more spice added to the lyrics. So of course, it's great. Highlights for me are the bridge and the lyric "They wanna dress me up, like the rest of them. But I'm a wolf, and they're just sheep."

 

Favourite songs

Take Back the Power, Liberty, White Noise, Judge Not, Family, Easy on You, A Friend Like Me, Haven't Seen the Last of Me

I diggit?

Any third-wave ska band appearing since 2010 is arguably cause for celebration, just for existing in these baron times. Beyond this, it's a truly special album.