The Interrupters

When considering Los Angeles outfit The Interrupters, take a moment to kindly forgetjargon like “SoCal punk rock” or “next wave ska” or whatever perimeter you want tosecure around them. A typical Interrupters gig feels like going to church where all thereligious iconography is taken out and replaced with mirrors so the band and audiencebecome one. Ignited by frontwoman Aimee Interrupter and the Bivona brothers’indefatigable enthusiasm, attendees can see joy in action; discover strength innumbers; and feel bulletproof when facing the forces that haunt them. There are novictims or outcasts in attendance when the quartet are onstage: Transfixed by thelegendary ‘80s 2 Tone ska movement and fueled with a contemporary energy thatmakes 180-bpm thrash-metallers seem positively slack, Aimee Interrupter and theBivona brothers Kevin, Justin and Jesse blur the enthusiasm between band andaudience in a way that’s equal parts dance party, cardio workout and personal therapy.The Interrupters formed in the band’s hometown of Los Angeles in 2011. Guitarist KevinBivona and his twin brothers Justin (bass) and Jesse (drums) were thrilled by the 90’spunk-rock resurgence as well as the groove, energy, and messages found in the original2 Tone ska bands. Prior to meeting Aimee, the Bivonas were mainstays of TimTimebomb And Friends, the ad hoc band founded by Tim Armstrong, working in thestudio and backing the Rancid co-founder on tours. It was only after the Bivonas metAimee in 2009 and started playing together did The Interrupters know they had a100db je ne sais quois between them. Armstrong has been a mentor, producer, andacted as an honorary “fifth Interrupter” with the band, offering sage advice to parallel theband’s sweat equity.Their self-titled 2014 debut caught on like pacific coast wildfire, bolstered by incrediblesongs, Aimee’s 100,000-watt charisma, and a stage presence best described as thekinetic energy of Hi-Bounce balls in human form. The Interrupters maintained theirvelocity across two additional LPs, Say It Out Loud (2016) and 2018’s tour deforce, Fight The Good Fight, all issued on Hellcat, Armstrong’s imprint via EpitaphRecords. And let’s not forget the relentless touring that included a stint on the VansWarped Tour and various support slots for punk-rock royalty such as Rancid, BadReligion, Green Day, among others.