Band: Alkaline Trio Album: Agony and Irony Record Label: Epic Witty remarks and gloomy verses are not foreign to the Alkaline Trio. After three years without a studio release, the Alkaline Trio has signed with Epic Records to produce their latest album, Agony and Irony. Perhaps the real agony of their latest release is their failure to produce a stronger record. Not only did the CD come out under a new record label, The Alkaline Trio has also progressed from their ferocious beginnings to a mainstream appeal. From the angsty edges of From Here to Infirmary and Maybe I‚’ll Catch Fire, the pop punk trio from Chicago has previously transitioned to a gentler sound in Good Mourning and Crimson. On the other hand, the likability of Agony and Irony is not to be confused with disappointment in the band’s direction. The album is remarkably catchy, melodic and stays true to the same despair-filled themes for which the band is known. With lyrics such as “I believe they deceived your tuneful heart too long” from track two, “Help Me” and “Take a look you see I painted you a picture, it’s black and white except the blood’s a little richer” from track eight, “Love, Love, Kiss, Kiss” the trio is consistently melodramatic. The first song, “Calling All Skeletons” opens the album with strong vocals and hand claps. As the song continues, the melodic chorus begins and sets a trend for the rest of the album. “Help Me” picks up right where the opener leaves off, featuring a keyboard and charming chorus — despite all the la-la-la‚’s, which are a bit unsettling in comparison to the Trio‚’s previous efforts. “I Found A Way” featuring Douglas P, starts off with whispered chanting that turns into fast paced vocals which lead into a fierce chorus. The delivery of this song shows powerful, speaker-blasting ability of Chicago trio. Fans of the satirical side of the Alkaline Trio will appreciate “Love, Love, Kiss, Kiss.” The Alkaline Trio shows a hint of their humorous personality with both sarcastic comments about love and, of course, with an infectious set of lyrics. The last three songs on the record, “Lost and Rendered,” “Ruin it” and “Into the Night” finish the album with a striking finish. “Lost and Rendered” in particular, features well-done heavy guitar riffs and aggression. The hints of special effects such as clicking clocks add attention to the song. As a follower for many years, Agony and Irony left mixed feelings. The album engages the listener after a few spins and suits the band for the place its in. The darkness of the night, blood and alcoholic tendencies were not spared, but the band‚’s influence from its record label probably wasn‚’t either. The album doesn’t seem as memorable as previous releases, nor does it demonstrate the maturity of the band. However, it’s safe to say the Alkaline Trio has remained consistent.
Agony and Irony not as memorable as previous efforts
July 18, 2008