Alkaline Trio - This addiction

The redemption record. That's how was introduced 'This addiction', the seventh full-length album by McHenry, Illinois act Alkaline Trio (did anyone notice the cover was the perfect mix between this and this?). After continually letting most of their fans down since 2001 and the release of 'From here to infirmary', the trio wanted to go back to their roots and produce a real, simple punk-rock album.

Yes, there's an old-school Alkaline vibe on 'This addiction'. From the start of the opener, you can tell they've tried to strip the composition down and to focus on making a more straight-up rock. They even chose Matt Allison, who worked with the band on their first two records, to produce the album. A few bells and whistles are still here on some songs and some additions such as the trumpet on 'Lead poisoning' and the very cheesy synth on 'Eating me alive' are here to remind that Alkaline Trio have expanded their musical boundaries in the past years but overall, there is an obvious desire to get closer to the sound they had ten years ago or so. This is also true lyrically speaking, as the words are definitely more personal, tending more towards the angry sincerity the trio had in their early years. Their intentions are great, but they're unfortunately producing mixed results. Sure, there's an improvement from 'Agony and irony', as there are less bad songs and more great songs, but most of them aren't more than good. The title track, the politically-fueled 'The American scream' or the amazing closer 'Fine' are worth the listen and definitely more than one but others like 'Draculina' or 'Eating me alive' really bring the album down. In retrospect, the least good songs are all sung by Matt Skiba. Bassist Dan Adriano only leads vocals on three tracks, but his contribution is overall totally eclipsing his guitarist's. It is a shame, as Alkaline Trio have always stood out from the rest because of the greatness of both of their vocalists, bringing different atmospheres to the songs but this duality is not shining on 'This addiction'. There's not the same energy either and it's even less catchy than 'Crimson'. It leaves you with the same taste 'Good mourning' did. A bit frustrated.

I end up being disappointed by this new full-length. I think every old Alkaline Trio fan had their hopes up for this one and in my opinion a lot of them won't find what they were looking for. Don't get me wrong, it's an Alkaline Trio record, so it's better than two thirds of what's out there, but it isn't the band at its best. It is however the closest record, in shape, to their early days. Let's hope this is a new start for the band.

3.5/5

Recommanded if you like:
Bayside, The Bouncing Souls, AFI
Check also:
The Broadways, Tuesday, Avoid One Thing

www.myspace.com/alkalinetrio
(Heart & Skull/Epitaph, 2010)