Artist: Alkaline TrioAlbum: Agony and Irony
Label: Epic
Released: 7/1/2008
BSTscore: 89
So it’s been 10 years since the first time I saw Alkaline Trio and things certainly have changed. Something tells me I won’t be seeing them in a venue that holds 150 people ever again. The band is back with their 6th album, Agony and Irony. Building off the momentum of 2005’s Crimson, the band has found the support of a major label and continue to surge in popularity.
All of that aside, the band has not compromised its sound or direction. Sure, through the years the songs have gotten a little darker, at times a little slower, but one thing is clear, it’s still Alkaline Trio. I actually caught the first single, “Help Me” on the radio (don’t ask), and I immediately knew it was Alkaline Trio before the first words were sang. Few bands have that impact.
I might always be a bigger fan of the band’s early material (who isn’t?), but that doesn’t mean that the new material should be ignored. For all the fans that turned their back through the Vagrant years, let’s get real, there will never be another Goddamnit, so let it go already. The band still has the ability to twist a dark song into a pop hook and Agony and Irony exhibits that throughout. Songs such as “I Found Away” and “Ruin It” start slow and dark and transform with driving melodies and catchy choruses.
Vocally and lyrically, the band continues to keep things simple, yet effective. Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano are still one of the best vocal tandems and carry the band’s melody even further. Skiba’s usual dark lyrics are scattered all through Agony and Irony. Some of the album is a little whiny, but listeners should have come to expect that from the band by now. Regardless, the songs are strong and meaningful.
I really feel this is one of the band’s most complete albums. It’s not perfect, but it’s something that I can listen to over and over without getting tired of it or skipping past songs. Agony and Irony delivers everything I’ve come to expect from Alkaline Trio and more. The dark and yet catchy lyrics and melodies pull the listener in and never let go.
Musicianship: 90
Vocals: 95
Creativity: 80
Impact: 90
Favorite Song: “Over and Out”/”Lost and Rendered” (tie)
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