Alkaline Trio – 'This Addiction' Album Review

Artist: Alkaline Trio
Title: ‘This Addiction’
Label: Heart & Skull / Epitaph
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary: The trio revisit their punk rock roots recruiting original producer Matt Allison and deliver a record to semi-satisfy the die-hards but don’t steer too far away from their recent adapted formulae.

Review: Since their early releases Alkaline Trio’s sound has definitely evolved. They’ve sold millions of albums, journeyed with major labels and toured the world gaining tons of new fans.

This record we are promised a visit to their roots by recording at Atlas Studios in their hometown of Chicago, the same studio as albums ‘Goddammit’ (1998) and ‘Maybe I’ll Catch Fire’ (2000). Also recruiting Matt Allison as the producer, who recorded ‘From Here To Infirmary’ (2001) and the previously mentioned albums.

The direction in style over the past several albums definitely has lost a lot of original followers but this record visits old sounds that the die-hards will appreciate. ‘This Addiction’ is Alkaline Trio’s seventh studio release and first release by their newly-formed record label Heart & Skull, a joint venture with Epitaph Records.

The album has it’s punk moments but also introduces new sounds like a trumpet solo on ‘Lead Poisoning’ and synth on ‘Draculina’ and ‘Eating Me Alive’. At first you may jump back and scratch your head, but after a few listens you realise it’s pulled off well and is quite likeable.

Dare I say it’s a punk rock record. We’ve made a progression, but we’ve also gone back to our roots. There’s definitely some old-sounding Alkaline Trio vibe to this record. A lot of the songs were written really quick. We added a few bells and whistles here and there, but it’s pretty stripped-down, straight-up rock ‘n’ roll.
— Matt Skiba describing the musical style of This Addiction

Derek Grant, Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano. Photo by Cindy Frey

‘This Addiction’ has the same rotating vocals between Skiba and Andriano, the same formulae as the past few albums but new themes that inspired them to write the thoughtful yet dark lyrics they’re known and loved for.

The anger is back. Not that we’re angry people, but there are a bunch of different themes. All of us have been through some pretty life-changing experiences since (2008′s Agony & Irony). Friends dying; people getting divorced; things that really are rather jolting but can also be very inspiring. I think we’ve used those experiences as inspiration. I certainly have. — Skiba on the album’s themes and inspirations

Personally, I agree that their earlier releases were their best but really enjoy the commercial direction they took with the past couple albums. Comparing ‘This Addiction’ to ‘From Here To Infirmary’ is like comparing NOFX’s ‘Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing’ to ‘Punk In Drublic’. We’re always drawing comparisons with their originals, and refuse to accept the direction the bands have taken but find ourselves singing the new albums’ songs while doing our daily commute. And you know why, it’s because they make damn good catchy songs, and you know it.

All crits aside, I don’t think the trio from Chicago can release a bad album and this is definitely not one. ‘This Addiction’ is an easy listen with the same soothing vocals and clean cut sing-a-long choruses we’ve grown to love. Overall a great offering but not overly addictive.

Watch the video for ‘This Addiction’:

Track Listing:

1. This Addiction
2. Dine, Dine My Darling
3. Lead Poisoning
4. Dead on the Floor
5. The American Scream
6. Off the Map
7. Draculina
8. Eating Me Alive
9. Piss and Vinegar
10. Dorothy
11. Fine

For Fans Of: Heavens, The Lawrence Arms, One Man Army, The Loved Ones
Download: ‘This Addiction’, ‘Eating Me Alive’, ‘Dorothy’
Official Website: www.alkalinetrio.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/alkalinetrio

Review by Rob Hope