Soundwave 2015: The Interrupters

Having announced four awesome acts for the Soundwave 2015 lineup — Monuments, Butcher Babies, Patent Pending, and Coldrain — the Soundwave Festival/Music Feeds First Wave is concluding with a fiery group of LA punks. Rounding out the First Wave bill is The Interrupters!

Soundwave founder AJ Maddah told Music Feeds that these California ska punks are his “most beloved”, and it’s not hard to see why. Their stirring lyrics, slick songwriting, and communal gigs ensure they’ll be a highlight of the 2015 Soundwave Festival.

Who are they?

The Interrupters are frontwoman Aimee Allen, guitarist Kevin Bivona, bass player Justin Bivona, and drummer Jesse Bivona. The band concoct their own special blend of high-energy ska-punk that’s informed as much by the forebears of the genre as the band members’ fierce political spirit.

The band unveiled their self-titled debut album earlier this year, which was produced by Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong and is bound to gain swarms of new followers for the group, whose longtime fans know them for their catchy, expertly crafted songs and their strong familial aura.

“Bound by their rebel spirit and deep love for 2 Tone, The Interrupters make super-high-energy ska-punk that’s equal parts catchy and confrontational.” – Hellcat Records

Watch: The Interrupters feat Tim Armstrong – Family

What do they sound like?

The band use a lean guitar-bass-drums-vocals setup to incredible effect, channeling a love of 2 Tone and rocksteady rhythms to craft songs that are as catchy as anything in pop, yet bearing as much snarl as anything in punk. The Interrupters’ sound is thorny, infectious, and deceptively simple.

The band’s vociferous lyrics take on topics such as martial law, broken homes, abuse of power, personal integrity, and Big Brotherism, offsetting the heavy subject matter with a sense of humour and community. “We have a lot of things that we’re outraged about and we need to sing about those things, but we make sure to keep it fun,” says Allen. “Sometimes it’s good to be happily outraged.”

“Everyone knows that before the battle of Agincourt, Henry V roused his troops with a speech about St. Crispin’s Day. What is perhaps less well known is that before lifting the siege of Orleans, Joan of Arc stood on a cart facing her troops, plugged in her amp, took out an electric guitar and belted out the song ‘Take Back The Power’ by The Interrupters.” – That Mag

Watch: The Interrupters – Liberty

http://youtu.be/-s670qVOlEQ

What are they like live?

The band’s shows are a vibrant and energetic celebration of community both on stage and in the pit. Allen and the Bivona brothers strive to create performances that not only show off the power and urgency of their music, but that create a place for fans and newcomers alike to get sweaty and dirty.

An Interrupters show serves as an amalgam of everything that makes a punk rock gig a must-see experience. From Allen’s commanding vocal delivery, to the onstage antics of the Bivonas and the band’s rousing crowd interaction, their shows are something to talk about and to remember.

“The Interrupters started the show off with a swift kick to the face, which got the crowd ready for the night ahead of them. Showing off their talent and style, they drew the audience front and centre. It was a perfect way to start this evening.” – BeatRoute Magazine

Watch: The Interrupters – Can’t Be Trusted at Jannus Live

For fans of…

The Interrupters have been lauded by fans and critics alike as being among the rightful carriers of a torch first lit by bands like Operation Ivy, Rancid, NOFX, and Less Than Jake, while drawing stylistic and ideological comparisons to bands like The Distillers, Transplants, and The Casualties.

But it’s not just punks that have converted to the cult of The Interrupters. The band’s fiery political spirit will appeal to fans of everything from The Clash, to Rage Against The Machine, and their performances are for anyone looking for a rock show that’s at once powerful and entertaining.

Watch: The Interrupters – A Friend Like Me