Archives: March 2020
Alkaline Trio – E.P.
Epitaph – Release Date: 3/19/20
Last week, Alkaline Trio released a new, three-song single, titled E.P. It was supposed to coincide with the start of a tour with Bad Religion, but with the shows postponed till fall, the band chose to go forward with the initial release date for these songs. The first entry, “Minds Like Minefields,” is led by singer/guitarist Matt Skiba and begins with ominous, echoed vocals. A rhythmic verse soon emerges, not unlike the style of their 1999 EP, I Lied My Face Off. It quickly pivots to a double-time chorus before eventually landing at an instrumental interlude. This section features ghostly backing vocals and sparse piano accents, and ultimately returns to the breakneck pace of the chorus. Overall, it’s not a typical song structure, but it illustrates how the band is freely exploring new territories and seemingly having a lot of fun while doing so.
Singer/bassist Dan Andriano takes the lead on the next song, “Radio Violence,” which sounds like a natural progression from his most recent solo LP, Party Adjacent. It finds him singing over relaxed, melodic guitar leads that easily transition to a driving chorus with layered backing vocals. It’s concisely-written and includes lyrics that talk about persevering through a tough situation, and clearly that’s something most everyone can relate to nowadays. The third and final song, “Smokestack,” is entirely acoustic and also sung by Andriano. It’s reminiscent of Tuesday, his band prior to Alkaline Trio, with lyrics that look back on his teenage years, (“Do you really believe that didn’t mean anything? / Do you really believe those days didn’t mean a thing? / Cause I’m still believing that means everything / Do you really believe those days didn’t mean a thing? / Cause I sure don’t / You made my life / You changed my life”). There’s a definite beauty in the straightforwardness of these words, which helps to make the song instantly memorable after just one listen.
With E.P., Alkaline Trio is continuing on the trajectory they’ve established since the release of their excellent and most recent full-length, Is This Thing Cursed? These three songs harken back to the band’s roots, recalling a time when they embraced more spontaneity and a carefree attitude. If E.P. is any indication as to where Alkaline Trio is headed with their next album, then fans should absolutely be excited.
The Bombpops – Death in Venice Beach
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 3/13/20
Earlier this month, The Bombpops released their second full-length on Fat Wreck Chords, called Death in Venice Beach. It finds the band taking a noticeable step forward, both in terms of the songwriting and their performances. One of the early highlights is “Zero Remorse,” which features dark imagery in its lyrics and is somewhat reminiscent of Crimson-era Alkaline Trio. It also offers a unique vocal melody during its chorus and subtle intricacies with the bass lines and drum fills. “Notre Dame” begins with a cool bass intro before segueing to some classic West Coast punk stylings. Its lyrics talk of loss and moving on, a theme that reoccurs throughout the album. “Sad to Me” has a definite Letters to Cleo vibe and is arguably the catchiest song on the record. Its highpoint comes near the end, where it quiets to just vocals and drums before the rest of the band joins in to power through the chorus one last time. In short, it’s a perfect summertime pop song.
“Can’t Come Clean” is an upbeat, punk-leaning track, complete with buzzsaw guitars and impressive vocal harmonies. It also includes a brief keyboard part that recalls Bark Like a Dog-era Screeching Weasel. “13 Stories Down” is a total sing-a-long that somehow manages to teleport the listener directly to a beach on the Pacific Ocean. It boasts a galloping beat, great melodic guitar work and even a dash of humor, (“I’m not an alcoholic, I just play one on the weekends”). “Radio Silence” is filled with hooks and incorporates some doo-wop backing vocals, while album closer “Southbound Stranger” charges out of the gate with a rhythm like a runaway train. In fitting fashion, its lyrics speak of an unknown future, but also accepting the uncertainly that lies ahead.
A variety of influences are displayed throughout Death in Venice Beach, but The Bombpops manage to bring them all together and create a distinctive style. Additionally, the record sounds phenomenal, thanks to the collaboration of producers Yotam Ben Horin, (Useless ID) Fat Mike, (NOFX) and Chris Fogal, (The Gamits). Not only is this a solid album with many strong songs, it’s also exceptionally catchy and proof that The Bombpops are definitely a band on the rise.
The Methadones Announce Chicago Show
We’re thrilled to announce that The Methadones will be playing their first hometown show in nearly five years this summer. Since initially disbanding in 2010, the band has only played twice, (an abbreviated set in 2011 and at Red Scare’s tenth anniversary show in 2015). After forming in 1993, they went on to release five studio albums, a split record with The Copyrights and finally a compilation album in 2010 that contained all the songs from their various singles, (as well as the final five songs they ever recorded). While often labeled as pop punk, The Methadones’ sound was truly a lot more multi-dimensional. Elements of classic Chicago punk and power pop were often present, along with an emphasis on vocal melodies, intricate guitar leads and introspective lyrics. In short, very few bands hold up this well over time. The band has yet to reveal any details as to their planned setlist, but rest assured that they’ll deliver a career-spanning set. The Methadones will play Chop Shop on Saturday, June 27th with support from Direct Hit!, Dan Vapid and The Cheats, and Capgun Heroes. The show starts at 7:00 PM, is 18+ and tickets go on sale this Friday.
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