Ride, the iconic Oxford quartet, are set to return with their seventh studio album, “Interplay”, slated to grace the airwaves on March 29th via Wichita Recordings / PIAS. This revelation solidifies the band’s enduring presence since their 2014 reformation, surpassing the longevity of their groundbreaking ’90s era.
Following the acclaim of “Weather Diaries” (2017) and “This Is Not A Safe Place” (2019), “Interplay” promises a sonic journey building upon Ride‘s rich legacy. Produced by the band, alongside Richie Kennedy and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer, the album connects the dots from their illustrious career. It harnesses the frenetic guitar assaults, hypnotic grooves, and dreamy melodic hooks reminiscent of their early work, now set against a more expansive sonic canvas inspired by ’80s pop luminaries such as Tears For Fears, Talk Talk, and early U2.
Thematically, Interplay weaves classic Ride lyrical motifs—escapism, dreams, and the disenchantment of modern life—with a resilience born from the band’s own narrative of implosion, reforming, and finding a path forward to their second peak.
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.
Andy Bell
As a glimpse into what we should expect from “Interplay”, Ride unveils the album’s first single, “Peace Sign.” With a driving bassline, euphoric ’80s-inspired synths, and a touch of saxophone, the track embodies the evolution of the band’s sound.
In the current musical landscape, where shoegaze is experiencing a resurgence, Ride remains one step ahead. With new generations discovering their music, “Interplay” arrives to cement Ride‘s enduring appeal with new and old fans.
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