Ride makes a return with their seventh studio album, Interplay. This new record marks the Oxford four-piece's third since their reunion in 2014, surpassing the duration of their original stint as 90s shoegaze pioneers.
"Interplay" follows the success of 2017's "Weather Diaries" and 2019's "This Is Not A Safe Place," reigniting the Ride spark and appealing to both long-time fans and a fresh audience. Produced by the band in collaboration with Richie Kennedy and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer, the album connects their musical evolution, drawing from the frenzied guitar attacks, hypnotic grooves, and dreamy melodic hooks of their early work. It sets this foundation to a more expansive sonic template, influenced by 80s pop gems like Tears For Fears, Talk Talk, and early U2.
Thematically, "Interplay" incorporates classic Ride lyrical elements such as escapism, dreams, and dissatisfaction with modern life. It adds a sense of resilience and perseverance, born from the band's journey of implosion, reforming, and finding a path forward to their second peak. Guitarist and singer Andy Bell reflects on the album's creation: "This album has taken a long time to make and has seen the band go through a lot of ups and downs; maybe the most of any Ride album. But it has seen us come through the process as a band in a good place, ready to celebrate the combined musical talents that brought us together in the first place."
The lead single, 'Peace Sign,' features a driving bassline, euphoric 80s-inspired synths, and saxophone, offering a perfect glimpse into the essence of "Interplay." Andy Bell shares insights into the song's origins, inspired by the visionary free climber Marc-André Leclerc and a film about his exploits.
Ride, consisting of guitarist/vocalists Andy Bell and Mark Gardener, drummer Laurence “Loz” Colbert, and bassist Steve Queralt, originally formed in Oxford in 1988. Their unique blend of 60s guitar-pop sensibilities with noise and driving rhythms led to the creation of the 'shoegaze' genre. After a successful debut with "Nowhere" in 1990, the band faced internal conflicts and disbanded in 1996. Reuniting in 2014, Ride discovered a renewed global appreciation for their influence on the music scene. "Interplay" stands as a testament to their enduring creativity and strength, showcasing the band hitting new heights in 2024, as shoegaze continues to thrive.
