Something Like Sound

When I first heard Alkaline Trio it was 2004 and my high school romance with punk rock was in full bloom. My friends and I would drive around town listening to the Good Mourning, singing along to the morose, yet upbeat, songs. In those days other groups were producing rock-operas transforming the ambiguous emo genre, while Alkaline Trio was always there, writing songs about cannibals, cemeteries and a whole slew of darker subjects. Six years since those glory days and Alkaline Trio is still there, writing more upbeat punk tunes about love as an addiction.

This Addiction opens with the title track and immediately submerges the listener in classic Alkaline Trio sound. Fast guitars and drums back Matt Skiba’s distinct voice throughout the first few tracks.While this formula has worked for Alkaline Trio for the last decade or so, it carries the danger of getting old. However, there are a few fresh spots that make the record as a whole quite enjoyable.

Personally, I appreciated the horn part on “Lead Poisoning;” it reminded me of good ska music from the late 90′s. Also, the synth lead on “Eating Me Alive” has a great 80′s new wave feel (without the bad hair and day-glo outfits). Overall there are a number of other tracks that stand out (“Piss and Vinegar” reminds me why I got in to Alkaline Trio in the first place).

This Addiction hits shelves today and is available in a special edition that has a DVD. Also, Alkaline Trio will be playing a sold-out show at the Gothic on Thursday, Something Like Sound will be there to cover the concert. Watch the video for the title track “This Addiction” below.