The Interrupters

Say It Out Loud

Written by: MAK on 02/09/2016 13:48:12

When I reviewed Los Angeles, CA punks The Interrupters’ self-titled début album last year, I claimed that the quartet was close to being a carbon copy of Rancid with a dash of The Distillers, splicing that third wave ska punk and gritty skate punk vibe together with a similar tempo and overall atmosphere. It of course helps that Tim ‘Timebomb’ Armstrong himself has involved himself heavily in influencing this band.

Now, with album number two, “Say It Out Loud”, things don’t appear to have changed. While previously I would have liked for The Interrupters to step out of Rancid’s shadow, listening to this album has made me glad they haven’t. Without a doubt, “Say It Out Loud” is no different to the self-titled album; some people may call that a negative, but given the quality of the début, this can only be a good thing. It just makes me laugh that in the chorus of “Divide Us”, the band ironically uses the lyrics: “Same tricks they used before”. How fitting.

From the start, we get that fun atmosphere with “By My Side”: repetitive chirpy choruses of "I don’t wanna die” and plenty of "Oi! Oi!” chants along with muted riffs. You just want to dance around and sing along. Same goes for “She Got Arrested”: just looking at that topic is a reminder of how they can make a less than positive subject sound joyful, very much in the vein of Reel Big Fish. “Babylon” then acts like the perfect Rancid replica song. The intro with group vocals of “Rebel, against the kings of Babylon” takes you right back to how the chorus of “Daly City Train” was sung back in 1995. “On A Turntable” stands out as a punk-rock country song — almost punkabilly. It’s still incredibly catchy and even contains a small guitar solo. Aimee Interrupter’s voice switches between two opposite dynamics, from a very monotone and somewhat dull vocal style in the verse to angst-ridden clean shouts in the chorus.

“Phantom City” is the next real stand out song here; the first on the record that I’ve noticed to use brass, and it goes all out to be somewhere between third wave ska and two-tone. It’s a pure dance anthem, and guess what?, Tim Armstrong makes another appearance, naturally. “You’re Gonna Find A Way Out” further continues that happy two-tone vibe.

Nearly every other song to follow is chirpy and full of joy, with lots of gang vocals and “wakka wakka” riffs. Only “Good Things” and the final track, “Loyal” ditch that trend, the former exposing more of a Bad Religion feel with its use of layered vocal styles; the latter concluding the album as a fast punk hit with some heavily distorted riffs and a mass sing-along of “We stand together; we stand by our crew!” showing a real sense of unity within the punk scene.

“Say It Out Loud” is another one of those albums that just feels like part two of its predecessor. No real changes. But, it’s hard to complain when every song is great. Every song makes you want to either dance around or rock out, and they all certainly make you want to lose your voice singing along. When an album can make you want to see the band live, then what does it matter if it’s far from original? The Interrupters can keep doing what they do and won’t have to worry about alienating their fans.

8

Download: Babylon, Phantom City, Good Things, By My Side
For The Fans Of: Rancid, The Distillers, Tim Armstrong (solo)
Listen: Facebook

Release date 24.06.2016
Hellcat Records

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