Chunksaah Records – Release Date: 3/12/21

Next month, Ship Thieves will release their fourth album, called Irruption. The band is fronted by Hot Water Music singer/guitarist Chris Wollard and also features members of Samiam and The Enablers. Irruption is their first full-length since 2016 and represents their most focused and cohesive material yet. The record charges out of the gate with “The Embers of Enlightenment,” a streamlined and urgent rocker that finds the Ship Thieves operating at peak efficiency. Wollard’s vocals sound authoritative and the accompanying “whoa-oh-oh” backing vocals are perfectly placed. It’s a great song to open the album with and just plain kicks ass. “Ghost Town” is dissonant and somewhat moody, and features impressive bass work that really drives the song. It also offers an interesting contrast of a speedy rhythm with a more relaxed vocal pace. “Tangled Net” has a prominent rock ‘n’ roll influence, with an underlying punk rock foundation. It boasts a rousing sing-a-along in the middle section that’s easily one of the best moments on the record. “Virulent Man” also bears mentioning, as it recalls early Foo Fighters and contains an exceptional guitar solo. Irruption plays like a complete work as its songs are interwoven and tell an overall story. The production, courtesy of Ryan Williams, is spot-on and really elevates the songs as well. Hopefully the band will have an opportunity to play them in a live setting later this year, assuming it’s safe to do so, because these songs are tailor-made for a loud and rowdy club show.