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Interrobang urge us to ‘Rethink Everything’ with brilliant new album and EP release

Ex-Chumbawamba band prove that they are 'Still mad as hell'

Reset time is now upon us, as we prepare ourselves for the long-awaited new Interrobang album. I’m also happy to report it’s a rather special one. If you didn’t already know, this 3-piece band is made up of Dunstan Bruce (vocals) and Harry Hamer (drums) of the late great Chumbawamba, with added Stephen Griffin (ex-Regular Fries) on guitar and keyboards/sequencing duties. Their first album was released in 2022, and was an infectious lesson in angular, guitar-driven post-punk. It’s been quite a while since then, so this record has been a long time coming for the eternally impatient.

Interrobang animation
Rethink Everything‘ is quite the departure from Interrobang‘s debut album and the EPs that preceded it. Those recordings were stripped-down and built around guitar loops, but this one is more electronic and sequenced. There is definitely an added dance element to some of these songs too, which could almost have you reaching for the lasers.

The album kicks off with ‘Now Is The Time‘, where Dunstan echoes their earlier recordings and shouts, “I’m mad as hell. I’m not gonna take it anymore!” We are urged to reset and reboot ourselves, and of course, ‘Rethink Everything‘. The highly infectious ‘Outrageous‘ follows next, where sequenced keyboards replace the band’s guitars of old. We are hearing modern day electronica here, where Dunstan proclaims, “Go on. You’ve got 5 seconds. Say something!” We are also duly reminded that “protest is not a luxury,” as we find ourselves almost dancing our way towards a revolution.

My Name Is‘ owns a funky beat, and is essentially Krautrock with its dance on. It’s a hypnotic and introspective song, coming from the perspective of a disillusioned 60- year-old man, who can see that the “world is going to hell in a handcart.” He is also fed up with “feeling washed-up and an irrelevant relic.” Listening to this highly danceable but reflective song, would lead me to think otherwise, as Dunstan yells “Free Palestine!” by the song’s end.

Unorthodox‘ is a post-punk sounding tune, with added Kraftwerk-style vocoder vocal effects. “These are the end times” says the singer, as he reminds us that sadly, in today’s confusing world, “Truth Is Dead.”

Interrobang
Defiance‘ starts with an inspiring speech aimed at the American government, saying”If you want us to do better, YOU do better!” I heard this sample blasting out of the speakers when Interrobang played Rebellion Festival last year, and it’s a rousing speech that could surely bring a desperate tear to your eye.
Dilettante‘ has a funky drummer laying down the beats over sequenced keyboards. It brings back memories of the 90’s festival scene, where bands like Back To The Planet and Blaggers ITA reigned supreme. There is a catchy stutter-rap in this song that almost reminds me of a Fatboy Slim sample. There is also a nice soulful break within this track, complete with a string section.
Interrobang - Harry Hamer
Interrobang - Harry Hamer

Broken Heart‘ also has strings attached, along with an acoustic guitar-shaped intro. Dunstan sings, “The past is catching up with me. I’m doubting my mortality” during an 80’s sounding keyboard line that will be sure to tug at your heartstrings. It’s a soul-baring song and a confessional one, where he eventually discovers an answer to his insecurities (“I’m going to take this broken heart and make myself some art”). ‘Colourless Green Ideas‘ is a multi-layered song with the sweet refrain of “I love you”, as Interrobang swap out their keyboards for guitars again.

Interrobang - Dunstan Bruce
Interrobang - Dunstan Bruce
Not Gonna Lie‘ is the penultimate song of the album, and it’s an intense spoken word number with keyboards and a pounding beat. “Like there’s no tomorrow” they say, before worryingly adding, “Careful what you wish for.” Do I also detect another former Chumbawamba vocalist in the mix?
Fabulous‘ brings this inspiring album to a close. Hypnotic synths and carnival beats drive this song along, and the overall vibe says to me Talking Heads, which is of course a good thing.
Rethink Everything‘ feels like a vital album to me (especially at the moment) and could also be the sound of protest music of the future. You will be hopeful, inspired and angry….but prepare to experience those emotions with your dancing shoes on.
Interrobang 2
Interrobang

Just like waiting for a bus, Interrobang have also released a new 10-inch EP called ‘Manosphere. It’s the band’s brilliant take on modern day toxic masculinity (Yes, they got there before Louis Theroux) and it can purchased HERE

Rethink Everything‘ is out on 17th April via FOAD Musick. Pre-order your copy HERE

Outrageous‘ Video: OLIVE DKS

  1. Now Is The Time
  2. Outrageous
  3. My Name Is
  4. Unorthodox
  5. Defiance
  6. Dilettante
  7. Broken Heart
  8. Colourless Green Ideas
  9. Not Gonna Lie
  10. Fabulous
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