This Addiction

Artist: Alkaline Trio
Label: Heart & Skull
Website: alkalinetrio.com

Safety first

It seems I have a hard time enjoying albums from veteran bands unless they are extremely good. Unfortunately for Alkaline Trio, their seventh long player This Addiction plays it a bit safe and never really captures the bands vigor from the earlier days.

That is not to say that some tracks don't stand out, as the lead-off title track brings it nicely and the lyrics in "The American Scream" fit lyrically and sonically but overall too many songs fall into the middle or have a balladry vibe.

This Addiction is still better than their major label debut and exit, Agony & Irony [2008], as it does have big guitars but never feels too polished or produced. This approach goes a long way as Alkaline Trio now have their own imprint Heart & Skull at Epitaph, which should provide an excellent partnership for the future.

Alkaline Trio now represent a more mature group and will have many longtime fans either hating this record or loving it but overall with its ups and downs, This Addiction provides enough highlights to still believe the group has what it takes to rock you out live.

Alkaline Trio - This Addiction from Matthew Stawski on Vimeo.

Christopher Anthony

For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note