Alkaline Trio
Agony And Irony

Following the highly successful and critically acclaimed "Crimson" and anticipated by the self-titled EP, "Agony And Irony" saw the light in July, marking the return of Alkaline Trio to the global stage.

In the three years since the release of "Crimson," several things have happened: the band celebrated ten years of activity and last year released a compilation for Vagrant Records entitled "Remains," containing various songs, b-sides, covers, and live tracks not included in the official studio releases.

And in even more notable news, this record marks the trio's transition to a major label, signing with Epic (Sony BMG) after ten years of happy drifting between Asian Man and Vagrant. It was therefore curious to see if this change would bring any modifications to their sound, but fortunately, as they have accustomed us over the years in their career, they have always remained true to themselves. And if the malicious thought of a softening of their sound or altering their unmistakable style, they will be disappointed.

Regarding their style, I will just say it is an atypical pop punk with dark and emo elements. For more, you will find further information in other reviews available on the site (I can't write an in-depth sound description for every album of theirs I review, you know!). Compared to the previous album, there is a greater return to punk-rock rather than the power-pop seen before, although there are still rock nuances. Of note is the choice of producer, who is Josh Abraham, already working with renowned bands like Slayer, Velvet Revolver, and Courtney Love.

The opener "Calling All Skeletons" immediately presents the group in great form: the clap-clap effect, which feels so welcoming, accompanies the track where Matt Skiba's always sharp and suffering voice takes charge, with energetic guitars as the backdrop. A syncopated guitar rhythm, emotional refrain with distant violins, and dark melodies, as they have always accustomed us to, support the piece.

Of a different nature is the first single "Help Me," decidedly more carefree and catchy: a piano loop, a fractured chorus in two, where the main singer's voice sounds like a cry for help, as the title suggests. Other noteworthy tracks, among the best of the batch, are "In Vein" and "I Found Away." The first, sung by Dan Andriano, is noteworthy for excellent choruses and a truly dynamic and lively drum, one of the most interesting tracks of the album, not lacking that pinch of romance that has always characterized them halfway through.

"I Found Away" will be madly loved by people who adore past songs like "Private Eye" and "Time To Waste"; it could also fit well on an A.F.I. album: opened by a narrating and sinister voice in the background, it later unfolds into a spine-chilling atmosphere with dark and grim riffs broken by a more open chorus, yet returns to a slow and ominous conclusion with delicate sweet piano notes. Compelling, undoubtedly the best episode, as well as a composition that perfectly sums up the Alkaline Trio musical thought.

A greater approach to rock is felt in tracks like "Live Young, Die Fast" with an indie-rock flavor and the sweet "Love Love, Kiss Kiss." Tranquility and calm are found in "Over And Out" where the bass and keyboards are notable, and "Ruin It." But the surprises do not end here: ticking clocks, electronic effects, and very powerful hard-rock guitars are the components of "Lost And Rendered," another great track that astonishes quite a bit. The most powerful track of the platter, where halfway through there is a half-hearted attempt at a solo.

To close, I would expect the usual ballad à la "Radio" or à la "Smoke", but instead, this time they turn out the joker "Into The Night," fast punk rock and a few rare scattered piano notes take me directly back to the times of "From Here To Infirmary." A worthy closure.

This time the production strikes, the keyboard parts present on this album do not cover the sonic gaps like on "Crimson" but rather enrich and perfectly complete everything, proving to be a very pleasant addition. The only criticism I feel like making are the final parts of a few tracks, which our guys try in vain to extend at all costs by further stretching the last refrain.

Rolling the dice, Alkaline Trio are among the very few bands playing this genre, one of the few examples of those who know how to add their own touch and know how to create their own style, and they still manage to do it perfectly. While others struggle (see +44, Yellowcard above all), after ten years and more of career, they have never done work below certain standards, and this "Agony And Irony" is the confirmation of the excellent work done by the Chicago guys.