paroolSep 18, 2026, 01:00

Apples For Isaac review: Echo & The Bunnymen have the conviction of a mature band

Echo & The Bunnymen have released their thirteenth album, Apples For Isaac, which critics consider their strongest work since 2001. The record showcases a mature, confident sound led by Will Sergeant's guitar work and Ian McCulloch's evolved vocal style.

Echo & The Bunnymen have released their thirteenth studio album titled Apples For Isaac, marking their most significant musical achievement since the 2001 record Flowers. Forty-six years after their debut, the band displays a fresh and grand sound that balances their post-punk roots with a mature, confident execution. Guitarist Will Sergeant delivers precise and varied riffs, ranging from funky to psychedelic, while frontman Ian McCulloch brings a new, weathered depth to his vocal performance.

Moving away from the urgent experimentation of their eighties beginnings, the band now performs with the poise expected of seasoned musicians capable of commanding large stages. Tracks like the opener Take Me By The Hand and the ballad An Unstoppable Force highlight a band that has successfully transitioned into a state of artistic maturity. By embracing this refined approach, Echo & The Bunnymen have delivered a cohesive and engaging collection of songs that stands out as a high point in their later career.

Culture

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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