So here’s a press quote for you – “This Addiction” is the best Alkaline Trio album since ‘From Here To Infirmary’.
Yes, I’m fully aware that’s a bold statement to make, but believe me when I say this record is not just a return to form, but an album created by a band that’s got their mojo back. ‘Crimson’ and ‘Agony and Irony’ really, really did nothing for me, while ‘Good Mourning’ had a few good songs but generally missed what made the band so special in the first place. In my opinion they’ve not released a good album in years. I’d even go as far as saying I had no expectations on this record and I really did expect it to be more of the same. Shame on me for writing the band off too soon because ‘This Addiction’ is a 21st Century album written with a 20th Century vibe. It sounds like the band have taken a step back in time and gone back to what they do best.
There are very few songs on this record that I would skip. I’ve given this plenty of hammer over the last week and love it. Unlike the last couple of records the production and ‘feel’ of the album mirrors some of the earlier material. It feels more natural and less produced and slick. Songs allow the vocals and lyrics to wrap themselves around the music, rather than getting lost in guitar riffs. And, most importantly, the choruses are back. Dan and Matt have never sounded better. It’s difficult to explain in words, but I’d say it sounds like the album that the band should have followed ‘FHTI’ with, both in sound and in tone.
‘The American Scream’ and ‘Dine, Dine My Darling’ are massive songs and possible future singles. ‘Piss and Vinegar’ is another standout too. But the band don’t stick to the straight up rock vibe and mix things up brilliantly throughout. While I’m not convinced of the synth in ‘Eating Me Alive’, the spoken word style singing Matt Skiba employs in ‘Dead on the Floor’ reminds me of ‘Radio’ in tempo and ‘Draculina’ just has this really cool vibe to it despite the silly title. ‘This Addiction’ is also quite dark, which while not a total surprise if you’ve ever heard Alk3 before, it’s a bit more believable this time round. Throw it all together and you’ve got a great record. I didn’t expect to like it based on the last few albums, but I do. I’d even go as far as saying I love it.
Thanks Alkaline Trio, it’s great to have you back.