If you’re still new to early 1980s new wave and post-punk, you probably still know Echo & The Bunnymen from “The Killing Time,” one of the band's biggest hits. It's also become well-known for its use in the movie Donnie Darko. They’ve had a long and successful career, although it’s been a tumultuous journey. As of 2026, the band is down to two original members: lead vocalist Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant (and even McCulloch left the band for a while).
This month, Echo & The Bunnymen released Apples For Isaac, the band's thirteenth album and first new release in 12 years. It’s the largest gap between albums by a considerable amount of time, but it's worth noting that Apples For Isaac was nearly finished in 2021. “I think COVID had something to do with it,” said McCulloch in an interview with Mojo Magazine. “But also I just wanted, lyrically, for everything to make sense — or to be cryptically important. Which is a hell of a sentence.” The album features contributions from former Blondie drummer Clem Burke, who completed his work on the album before he died in 2025.
The whole album is terrific, with plenty of standout tracks. “Brussels Is Haunted” was the album’s first single, which is a dark, moody song that serves a powerful reminder of how historical events still reverberate throughout modern times.
This is also a really fun record, with more than its share of head-bopping, danceable songs. The album starts with “Take Me By The Hand,” which we're bringing to the radio for you to hear. The song hooked us right off the bat with Sergeant’s electric guitar — it’s as groovy a line as you’re going to hear anywhere this year. McCulloch still sounds incredible, and the lyrics hit on a pretty timeless theme. They don’t make a lot of literal sense, but none of that matters as long as you have someone to take you by the hand.
Apples For Isaac is available at Echo & The Bunnymen’s website, and on streaming services.
