Review: The Interrupters – “In The Wild”

Hellcat/Epitaph Records – 05 August 2022

The Interrupters get personal and mix it up on their fourth release.

After three albums full of two-tone inspired skankin’ punk music, the band takes on new sounds, rejecting the simpler path of just repeating the styles that worked before. This album that they created in their garage home studio is very personal and focuses much on Aimee Interrupters’ younger life. Songs of deep reflection, growth, and gratitude fill the tracklist and take you a mixed musical journey. Several tracks still have their customary sound, while the rest of the album spans across various musical styles like dub, dancehall, gospel, doo-wop, and a slow song perfect for a couple’s skate at the roller rink. Musical guest artists include Tim Armstrong (of course), Rhoda Dakar, Alex Désert & Greg Lee of Hepcat, and the Skints.

If you are big fans of their customary sound, songs like “Anything Was Better”, “In The Mirror”, “Jailbird”, and “The Hard Way” should get your feet moving. “In The Mirror” has previously been released as a single and is one of the best tracks on this album that feature the bands signature style.  

“Raised By Wolves” has a softer punk rock feel, and features the album title In The Wild lyrics referencing Aimee’s childhood. I was really into the wolf howling on this one.

If you are into dub, dancehall, reggae, “As We Live” and “Kiss The Ground” might be strong contenders for the best new style tracks from the band.

“Burdens” gets my vote for the most unique song on the release. It’s gospel meets reggae and if you have heard the bands version of “Amazing Grace” with Calypso Rose on vocals, then you already know this cool sound. The additional vocals provided by members of Hepcat made this one stand out as a surprise favorite.

As for that previously mentioned roller rink-ready number, “Alien” ends the album with a strong, emotional, piano driven song that’s a departure from the punk rock and one that pulls from Aimee’s youth survival.

In The Wild takes you on a journey telling you the story of Aimee Interrupter’s upbringing and a musical journey featuring the band’s new sounds. You can tell the band recorded this album with a purpose and the songs dive deep into their personal skeletons. Some of the new sounds might stray too far from The Interrupters you are used too, but after a few listens I think most fans will be in to these departures.