As far as ’90s punk legends go, few rank higher than Rancid and Operation Ivy frontman Tim Armstrong. When something comes with the gravel-voiced guru’s seal of approval, it’s worth taking note. The debut self-titled LP from LA four-piece The Interrupters came out early last month. Not only does it wear the logo of Armstrong’s Hellcat Records, the man himself produced the album. “He really did a good job of honing the best parts about each of us and just putting it together as one thing,” says guitarist Kevin Bivona.
The Interrupters’ lineup is completed by Kevin’s twin brothers Justin and Jesse (on bass and drums respectively) and frontwoman Aimee Interrupter (nee Allen). Bivona’s musical interaction with Armstrong dates back to 2005, when he was hired as a touring keyboardist for the Rancid man’s rap-rock outfit The Transplants. More recently, he and the twins contributed to Armstrong’s Tim Timebomb and Friends project.
“The guy makes so much music,” he explains, “so any project he had after The Transplants I’d be like, ‘Hey, if you need me, call me,’ and we ended up working really well together.”
In addition to his production and co-writing input, Armstrong sings the opening verse on the album’s lead single ‘Family’. By now The Interrupters consider him a close friend, but their admiration hasn’t subsided, as Allen explains. “There’s always an awe,” she says.
“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Man, he’s just my buddy,’” adds Bivona. “And then when I really think about it I’m like, ‘Holy shit, this is Tim Armstrong.’ That never goes away. I have so much respect for the guy.”
The Interrupters’ debut recordfaithfully recaptures the sound of UK two tone and the 1990s US punk resurgence. It’s a refreshingly no-nonsense outing; rowdy and tough, but not in your face. The album also features a socially aware lyrical bent, which is quite important to the band.
“We all write the lyrics together,” Allen explains. “We did definitely really believe in talking about family and friends and loyalty. We all have different ideas politically, but we all obviously hate oppression and tyranny and believe in unifying and coming together.”
Something shared by the musical movements of two tone and ’90s punk is that they were driven by an underground fearlessness, yet weren’t afraid to seek out a big audience. Essentially, both genres made a widespread impact courtesy of quality, accessible songwriting. Similarly, The Interrupters don’t seem destined to dwell in obscurity for long.
“We set out for writing good songs,” Allen says. “We want people to be able to sing along. If you can’t sing along then I personally feel like we failed. The sort of music I like to listen to, it’s just catchy. That’s what we strive for.”
Prior to The Interrupters, Allen released a string of solo records. The most recent, 2009’s A Little Happiness, inhabited the realm of acoustic pop-rock. However, she emphasises that fronting a rowdy punk band is where she feels most comfortable. “I’ve always been boisterous and loud. I’ve always been a fan of two tone and punk. I’ve been in punk bands. So The Interrupters is like kind of coming back home for me.
“Kevin and I were working on my solo record and it was like, ‘If we brought the twins into this and we started working on these songs together as a band that would be a dream come true.’ And then it happened and it’s absolutely everything I’ve ever wanted.”
The Interrupters are playingSoundwave Festival 2015alongsideSlipknot, Faith No More, Soundgarden, Marilyn Manson, Incubus, Lamb Of God, Fall Out Boy, Ministry, Judas Priest and many more atSydney Olympic ParkfromSaturday February 28 and Sunday March 1.The Interrupters out now through Hellcat Records.
