Over 10 years ago, five boys from Toowoomba jammed in a garage. Fast forward to now, and it’s already been an incredible year for Sydney based rock outfit Interim. It represents a quantum leap in the band’s growth and development, accurately represented on their debut record, Escapism.
Molly acts as a perfect start to the record, providing a first-time listener with a deeper insight of their sound. There’s scuzzy guitars and alternating time signatures, but on the other end of the spectrum – finely crafted blues and rock that is idiosyncratic in a scene filled with all too comparable rock bands.
Old Thrills is an ode to change and old times. This distorted guitar tune features musicality similar to the likes of Royal Blood. The words “We all learn the hard way, that day, things change” are a key component of the song’s chorus, and it comes part and parcel with a badass harmonica solo.
Millennial Blues was the first track where Alec’s astounding vocals had the opportunity to be truly exhibited. The track was aptly paired with footage of the band performing as part of the Keep Sydney Open rallies, accompanying the song lyrics ‘We’re stronger, we’re free, set us free’.
She Said is one of the album’s focal points. The track is based on plagued romance, and features reverbed instrumentation and vocals, precise harmonies and a more psychedelic vibe. The song takes shape notably toward the end with heavily layered vocals and the recurrence of the lyrics ‘Nothing to do’.
Scarlett is a crucial moment for the album. The lyrics “These reasons I must go… I’ll burn, oh girl till I’m doused tonight… I’m feeling anxious” a reflection of the key themes of the album – lethal relationships and finding an outlet to escape them.
Reprise begins with Jock Houston’s eerie bass. Snow’s vocals repeat the lyrics “Don’t have to play me”, and the song develops into an extended guitar solo, showing guitarist Lachy Becke’s astronomical talent on guitar.
On Loving Hands, the words “I’m waiting with loving hands, made heavy with all I am” are met with organ and instrumentation similar to the likes of Bernard Fanning of Powderfinger. It’s a highlight for Escapism and is a track where it’s confirmed that Interim are ready for international touring.
The album ends with a newly recorded version of She’s The Devil. It’s re-recorded in a new key and has an extended acoustic section. Escapism is living, breathing evidence that Interim are ready for whatever comes at them.
