Alkaline Trio has always held a special place in my heart for one simple reason– their obsession with the macabre. Combining relatively simple and straight forward skate punk chord progressions with references to corpses, rotten milk, scars, chainsaws, and alcohol (yes, lots and lots of alcohol) has always been a recipe for success for primary lead singer Matt Skiba & Co. It’s an influence I’ve certainly incorporated into my own music– take one listen to “Forever Yours” off my debut album Yesterday & Forever Ago and you’ll hear it immediately– and that component of their songwriting craft has always found a way to burrow down deeply into my skull to find a cozy home.
From Here to Infirmary is their highwater mark in my book. Skiba’s lyrical wizardy is on full display, drummer Mike Felumlee is razor sharp, and Dan Andriano’s bass tone is chunky in the mids which adds a sort of lo-fi bite to the rhythm section that is somewhat of a calling card for him. It’s all so expertly produced in that early aughts punk rock kind of way, fresh and vibrant like you’re hearing them play it live. It’s an album the reminds me of high school and college all in one fell swoop, and yet still feels relevant in my mid-30’s with a pair of toddlers running around the house.
Standout Songs: “Private Eye”, “Stupid Kid”, “Take Lots With Alcohol”, “Bloodied Up”, “Armageddon”
