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Alkaline Trio (album)
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| Alkaline Trio | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Compilation album by | ||||
| Released | April 18, 2000 | |||
| Recorded | 1996, March 1998, March 1999, and July 1999 at Atlas Studios, Chicago Early 1999 in Homewood, Illinois | |||
| Length | 41:27 | |||
| Label | Asian Man | |||
| Producer | Matt Allison, Alkaline Trio | |||
| Alkaline Trio chronology | ||||
| ||||
Alkaline Trio is a compilation album by American punk rock band of the same name, released April 18, 2000 through Asian Man Records. It includes all of the tracks from their EPs For Your Lungs Only (1998) and I Lied My Face Off (1999), as well as both tracks from the "Sundials" single (1997) and several tracks from other compilations.
Reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Ox-Fanzine | Favorable[2] |
By August 2008, the album sold 85,000 copies.[3] Ari Wiznitzer of Allmusic praised the compilation, comparing the songs' lyrics to those of Blake Schwarzenbach and saying that "What separates this record from most compilations of its kind is both consistency and excellent sequencing. This is the band's best batch of songs since Goddamnit, and although taken from disparate sources, the record has the feel of a long-player."[1]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano, and Glenn Porter, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Goodbye Forever" (from I Lied My Face Off, 1999) | 2:50 | |
| 2. | "This Is Getting Over You" (from I Lied My Face Off, 1999) | 4:46 | |
| 3. | "Bleeder" (from I Lied My Face Off, 1999) | 4:30 | |
| 4. | "I Lied My Face Off" (from I Lied My Face Off, 1999) | 4:09 | |
| 5. | "My Friend Peter" (from Magnetic Curses, 2000) | 2:14 | |
| 6. | "Snake Oil Tanker" (from For Your Lungs Only, 1998) | 1:22 | |
| 7. | "Southern Rock" (from For Your Lungs Only, 1998) | 3:04 | |
| 8. | "Cooking Wine" (from For Your Lungs Only, 1998) | 2:19 | |
| 9. | "For Your Lungs Only" (from For Your Lungs Only, 1998) | 2:26 | |
| 10. | "Exploding Boy" (from Pocket Bomb, 1999, originally performed by The Cure) | Robert Smith | 2:57 |
| 11. | "Sundials" (from "Sundials", 1997) | Skiba, Rob Doran, Porter | 3:43 |
| 12. | "Nose Over Tail" (from "Sundials", 1997) | Skiba, Doran, Porter | 2:35 |
| 13. | "'97" (from Marc's a Dick and Gar's a Drunk: The Johann's Face Story, 1997) | Skiba, Doran, Porter | 4:32 |
| Total length: | 41:27 | ||
Personnel
[edit]- Matt Skiba – guitar, lead vocals (except tracks 2 and 4), backing vocals
- Dan Andriano – bass, backing vocals (tracks 1–10), lead vocals (tracks 2 and 4)
- Rob Doran – bass (tracks 11–13)
- Glenn Porter – drums
References
[edit]- ^ a b Wiznitzer, Ari. "Alkaline Trio Review". Allmusic. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
- ^ Hiller, Joachim (June–August 2000). "Reviews: Alkaline Trio / s/t". Ox-Fanzine (in German). Retrieved May 26, 2019.
- ^ Caulfield, Keith (August 1, 2008). "Ask Billboard: Robin Sparkles, Garbage, Alkaline Trio, Bayside". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 16, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
External links
[edit]- Alkaline Trio at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)
Alkaline Trio (album)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Band formation and early years
Alkaline Trio was formed in December 1996 in McHenry, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, by guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba, bassist and vocalist Rob Doran, and drummer Glenn Porter.[8][3] The band emerged from the vibrant mid-1990s Chicago punk underground, where Skiba had previously played drums in local acts like Jerkwater and Traitors, while Porter brought experience from the punk outfit 88 Fingers Louie.[3] This original lineup quickly coalesced around Skiba's songwriting, focusing on raw, melodic punk with dark, introspective themes that set them apart in the local scene.[8] The band's early stability was tested by lineup changes in 1997, when bassist Rob Doran departed shortly after their initial recording efforts, prompting Skiba to recruit Dan Andriano—formerly of the Chicago punk band Slapstick—as his replacement in late 1997.[8][3] Andriano's addition not only solidified the rhythm section but also introduced harmonic depth through his backing vocals, enhancing the band's dual-vocal dynamic alongside Skiba.[8] Porter remained on drums as the permanent founding member through this period, providing a consistent backbone until his departure in 2000, allowing the trio—now Skiba, Andriano, and Porter—to refine their sound amid the evolving Chicago punk landscape.[3] Deeply rooted in the Chicago punk scene of the mid-1990s, Alkaline Trio drew influences from local trailblazers like Screeching Weasel and Slapstick, as well as broader emo-punk acts such as Jawbreaker and Lifetime, whose heartfelt lyricism and energetic melodies shaped their approach to blending aggression with emotional vulnerability.[8][3] Skiba's fascination with darker, gothic-tinged themes—contrasting the scene's often upbeat pop-punk—further distinguished them, echoing Jawbreaker's confessional style while incorporating horror-infused elements reminiscent of the Misfits.[8] This fusion positioned the band as a bridge between the DIY grit of Chicago's all-ages venues and the introspective edge of East Coast emo-punk.[3] Alkaline Trio's early years were defined by a commitment to the DIY ethos of the 1990s Chicago underground, with their first live performances taking place in small, grassroots spaces like the Fireside Bowl as early as March 1997.[8] These shows, often chaotic and intimate, captured the raw energy of the local scene, where bands played basements, house parties, and all-ages clubs to build a dedicated following without major label support.[8] The trio's relentless touring and self-reliant approach in this fertile punk ecosystem laid the groundwork for their rapid ascent, fostering a cult-like fanbase through word-of-mouth and independent releases by the late 1990s.[3]Pre-compilation releases
Alkaline Trio's earliest release was the 1997 7-inch single Sundials, issued on Johann's Face Records, which featured the tracks "Sundials" and "Nose Over Tail," both recorded in 1996 at Atlas Studios in Chicago.[9] This debut showcased the band's raw punk energy and marked their initial foray into recording as a trio following lineup changes. Later that year, they contributed the track "'97" to the compilation Marc's a Dick and Gar's a Drunk: The Johann's Face Story, released in 1996 on Johann's Face Records, recorded at Atlas Studios.[10] In 1998, the band expanded their output with the EP For Your Lungs Only on Asian Man Records, comprising four tracks: "Snake Oil Tanker," "Southern Rock," "Cooking Wine," and "For Your Lungs Only," all recorded that March at Atlas Studios.[11] This release demonstrated growing musical cohesion, blending melodic punk hooks with introspective lyrics. That same year, Alkaline Trio issued their debut full-length album Goddamnit on Asian Man Records, a pivotal work that solidified their sound within the Chicago punk scene through 12 original songs recorded over the summer at Atlas Studios.[12] By 1999, the band continued building momentum with contributions to shared releases. They appeared on the Pocket Bomb compilation from Law of Inertia Records alongside One Man Army, providing a cover of The Cure's "Exploding Boy" recorded earlier that year in Homewood, Illinois.[13] In 1999, Alkaline Trio recorded "My Friend Peter" in July at Atlas Studios for the Thick Records compilation Magnetic Curses: A Chicago Punk Rock Compilation, released in 2000 alongside Hot Water Music and others.[14] These collaborative efforts highlighted the band's rising profile in interconnected punk networks. The year closed with the EP I Lied My Face Off on Asian Man Records, featuring "Goodbye Forever," "This Is Getting Over You," "Bleeder," and the title track, all recorded in March at Atlas Studios and emphasizing darker, more emotive themes.[15] These pre-2000 releases traced Alkaline Trio's evolution from nascent singles to polished EPs and a debut album, fostering a dedicated following through consistent output on independent labels and compilations.Development of the compilation
In late 1999, amid the rising popularity of Alkaline Trio following the release of their debut full-length album Goddamnit in 1998, Asian Man Records founder Mike Park proposed compiling the band's early scattered material into a retrospective collection.[16] This project aimed to consolidate their initial output for accessibility, serving as an entry point for emerging fans while the band navigated increasing interest from larger labels like Epitaph, ultimately opting to stay with Asian Man to maintain creative control.[16] The compilation features 13 tracks drawn from six sources spanning 1997 to 1999, including the out-of-print EPs For Your Lungs Only (1998) and I Lied My Face Off (1999), the debut 7-inch single Sundials (1997), and appearances on various punk compilations, including the cover 'Exploding Boy' from the Pocket Bomb compilation (1999). Note that this track was omitted from later reissues due to licensing issues.[2][1] Selection prioritized hard-to-find and previously unreleased material, such as B-sides and EP cuts like "My Friend Peter" and "Southern Rock," to showcase the band's formative punk sound without overlapping extensively with their recent studio albums.[2] Park's initiative capitalized on the buzz generated by Goddamnit, which he described as exploding in popularity and one of the greatest punk records ever, helping to solidify Alkaline Trio's underground presence before their shift to Vagrant Records.[16]Production
Recording sessions
The recording sessions for the tracks comprising the 2000 compilation album Alkaline Trio spanned from 1996 to 1999, primarily at Atlas Studios in Chicago, with one exception conducted in a home setting. These sessions captured the band's nascent punk rock sound during their formative years, involving the original lineup of Matt Skiba on guitar and vocals, Dan Andriano on bass and vocals, and Glenn Porter on drums.[1] Initial demo sessions took place in 1996 at Atlas Studios, producing early prototypes that included rough versions of songs later refined for release. These recordings, conducted shortly after the studio's opening that year, laid the groundwork for the band's debut material and were later included on the compilation as tracks 11 through 13. The sessions emphasized the raw, unpolished energy typical of mid-1990s Chicago punk, with the band tracking basic arrangements to establish their melodic yet aggressive style.[1][17] In the first month of 1997—though the material was initially captured in late 1996—the band returned to Atlas Studios for sessions yielding the "Sundials" single, released later that year on Johann's Face Records. These tracks, featuring "Sundials" and "Nose Over Tail," marked the band's first official release and highlighted their evolving songwriting, blending pop-punk hooks with emo-inflected lyrics. No additional '97 split sessions are documented in primary release credits, but the Sundials work represented a pivotal early milestone.[9][1] The March 1998 sessions at Atlas Studios produced the entirety of the For Your Lungs Only EP, released that year on Asian Man Records. Over these dates, the band recorded four tracks—"Snake Oil Tanker," "Southern Rock," "Cooking Wine," and "For Your Lungs Only"—focusing on tight, live-band performances to preserve their high-energy delivery. This EP's sessions built directly on the demo foundation, refining production while maintaining a lo-fi punk aesthetic.[1][11] March 1999 brought further sessions at Atlas Studios for the I Lied My Face Off EP, also on Asian Man Records. The band tracked four songs—"Goodbye Forever," "This Is Getting Over You," "Bleeder," and the title track—over the course of the month, emphasizing layered vocals and driving rhythms that would define their early catalog. These recordings showcased improved cohesion compared to prior efforts, with the full band playing together to capture spontaneous dynamics.[1][15] In early 1999, the band conducted informal home sessions in Homewood, Illinois, resulting in the cover of The Cure's "Exploding Boy," contributed to the Pocket Bomb compilation on Law of Inertia Records. This outlier location allowed for a more experimental, stripped-back approach outside the studio environment. Later that year, in July 1999, they reconvened at Atlas Studios to record "My Friend Peter" for the Magnetic Curses Chicago punk compilation on Thick Records, completing the set of tracks for the 2000 self-titled album. These sessions utilized the studio's facilities to achieve a punchy, direct sound reflective of the local scene.[1]Production and engineering
The production of the Alkaline Trio compilation album involved compiling tracks from the band's early EPs and singles, with the majority engineered by Matt Allison at Atlas Studios in Chicago.[1] Allison recorded tracks 1 through 9 and 11 through 13, contributing to the raw, energetic sound that defined the band's initial output on Asian Man Records.[1] Track 10 was engineered by Lance Reynolds in Homewood, Illinois.[1] The band handled self-produced elements, including track selection and sequencing to unify the disparate original sessions into a cohesive whole reflective of their lo-fi punk aesthetic.[18] This approach aligned with the budget constraints of Asian Man Records, an independent label focused on DIY punk releases that preserved an unpolished, authentic vibe.[19]Release
Commercial release
The Alkaline Trio compilation album was officially released on April 18, 2000, by Asian Man Records.[20][1] The primary format was compact disc, with a total runtime of 41:27, though limited vinyl pressings were issued in subsequent years, beginning with a 2008 edition.[21][2] The album carried the catalog number AM-058.[1] Distribution in the United States was handled by Mordam Records.[1] The artwork was designed by SevenLuckySeven and featured minimalist punk imagery, including stark black-and-white elements emblematic of the era's aesthetic.[22]Promotion and commercial performance
The promotion of the Alkaline Trio compilation album primarily relied on the grassroots efforts of Asian Man Records, which emphasized its mail-order catalog under the slogan "Mailorder is Still Fun!!" to distribute the release directly to punk enthusiasts.[23] The label also leveraged festival circuits, building buzz through the band's appearances on events like the Vans Warped Tour starting in 2002, which helped amplify visibility within the punk scene.[24] Lacking major label support, the album received no significant commercial radio airplay or music video production, but gained traction via coverage in independent punk zines and limited college radio spins, aligning with the DIY ethos of early 2000s punk.[25] Commercially, the album did not chart on the Billboard 200 or any major national lists, reflecting its niche status in the independent punk market. By August 2008, it had sold 85,000 copies in the United States according to SoundScan data, demonstrating steady demand among core fans despite the absence of mainstream promotion.[26] Its performance underscored strong sales within the indie punk sector, where Asian Man Records' targeted distribution sustained interest. Post-2000, the album saw reissues on vinyl, including colored editions in the 2010s and a 2023 pressing, while digital availability expanded through platforms like Bandcamp, ensuring ongoing accessibility for new listeners.[20][27]Music and lyrics
Musical style
The Alkaline Trio compilation album exemplifies the band's early sound, rooted in pop-punk and punk rock with prominent emo influences, characterized by fast tempos, chugging guitar riffs, and infectious melodic hooks that drive the energetic tracks.[7][28] Drawing from the Chicago punk scene and acts like Jawbreaker, the music features simple three-chord progressions stretched into distinctive punk structures, often punctuated by jarring drum stops and complementary basslines that add rhythmic propulsion.[8][3] This raw approach blends high-energy punk aggression with occasional mid-tempo ballads, creating a dynamic contrast within the compilation's selections from early EPs and singles.[7] The production is distinctly lo-fi and rough-hewn, emphasizing a gritty, low-budget aesthetic that highlights driving rhythms and the interplay of dual vocals—Matt Skiba's raspy yells contrasting with Dan Andriano's deeper croon—without polished overdubs.[28][8] Instrumentation sticks to the standard trio format of guitar, bass, and drums, with occasional acoustic elements in slower tracks providing introspective breaks amid the predominantly electric, riff-driven sound.[8] Harmonic vocal layers and prominent bass lines further enhance the emotional delivery, contributing to catchy choruses and dynamic shifts from fast-paced sections to climactic builds.[7] The track sequencing fosters a cohesive flow, starting with upbeat, riff-heavy openers that establish the punk momentum before transitioning to more reflective, mid-tempo pieces toward the close, mirroring the evolution of the band's initial recordings from 1997 to 1999.[7] This arrangement underscores the compilation's role in capturing Alkaline Trio's foundational blend of Chicago's populist punk heritage with emo's melodic introspection, setting a template for their later work.[3][8]Lyrical themes
The lyrics on Alkaline Trio's self-titled compilation album predominantly explore themes of failed relationships and heartbreak, often intertwined with alcohol-fueled regret and self-destructive impulses.[28][7] Tracks like "Bleeder" delve into the raw pain of betrayal and emotional bleeding from lost love, while "This Is Getting Over You" captures the bitter process of moving past a romance marred by deceit and personal failings.[28][7] Alcohol emerges as a recurring motif for coping with these lows, as seen in "Cooking Wine," where it symbolizes numbing despair, and "My Friend Peter," which juxtaposes depressive introspection with excessive drinking to erase pain.[28][7] Matt Skiba's contributions lean toward personal, confessional storytelling, marked by raw punk energy and vivid imagery of regret and isolation, as in his spiteful reflections on breakups.[29] Dan Andriano's vocals and lyrics add layers of vulnerability, infusing sentimental depth into themes of longing and emotional fragility, often with a crooning delivery that heightens the intimacy.[28] This dual songwriting approach fosters motifs of self-destruction and betrayal, evident in songs like "'97," which touches on drug-tinged ruin alongside relational collapse.[28] The album's lyrical style draws clear parallels to Jawbreaker's introspective punk lyricism, blending clever phrasing with emotional intensity in explorations of personal turmoil.[29] Skiba has cited Jawbreaker's influence on his writing, echoing their balance of macabre wit and heartfelt confession in tracks that mix gory metaphors with relational spite.[29] Dark humor punctuates the melancholy, as in lines from "My Friend Peter" that wryly address smiling through sorrow via booze, adding a grim levity to the regret.[7] Overall, the tone is melancholic yet propelled by an underlying energetic pulse, where emotional depth coexists with the confessional urgency that distinguishes the compilation's early material.[29]Reception
Critical reception
Upon its release, the self-titled compilation album by Alkaline Trio received generally positive reviews from music critics, who appreciated its collection of early material as an effective showcase of the band's punk rock roots.[7][30] AllMusic's Ari Wiznitzer awarded the album 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its track consistency and sequencing while highlighting the lyrical depth, likening the beer-soaked tales of love, loss, and guilt to the style of Jawbreaker's Blake Schwarzenbach; standout examples included the slacker alienation in "Cooking Wine" and the direct confession in "I Lied My Face Off."[31] The review positioned it as essential listening for fans of emo-influenced punk. Punknews.org echoed this enthusiasm in an 8/10-rated review, commending the album's capture of the band's raw energy through catchy riffs and emotional vocals, particularly on tracks like "Goodbye Forever," "Bleeder," "Exploding Boy," and "Nose Over Tail," which demonstrated strong pop-punk drive and songwriting cohesion.[7] Critics in the punk press broadly acclaimed the release as an accessible entry point to the band's early work, compiling out-of-print 7-inch singles and additional tracks into a cohesive overview of their formative sound.[7] Some reviewers offered minor critiques, noting that the lo-fi production, while energetic, already felt somewhat dated by 2000 standards given the band's rapid evolution toward more polished recordings. Inner Ear Media described it as a solid collection of the band's best early songs but one unlikely to receive frequent plays amid their progressing style.[30]Legacy and influence
The self-titled compilation album Alkaline Trio (2000) played a pivotal role in the band's discography by serving as a bridge to their major-label debut From Here to Infirmary (2001), capturing their raw early sound and solidifying the emo-punk aesthetic that defined their transition from indie punk roots to broader recognition.[3] Released on Asian Man Records, it collected tracks from prior EPs and singles, highlighting the band's melodic punk energy and dark lyrical introspection, which paved the way for the more polished production on From Here to Infirmary while maintaining their core identity. By August 2008, the album had sold 85,000 copies. This album's aggregation of rarities showcased the value of such collections in the band's catalog, contributing to later retrospective releases that sustained fan engagement.[3] By proving that compilations could deepen listener engagement without diluting the band's catalog, Alkaline Trio contributed to the use of retrospective releases that reinforced Alkaline Trio's enduring appeal in the punk scene.[3] The compilation contributed significantly to the band's cult following during the mid-2000s pop-punk revival, as its accessible entry point into their discography attracted fans seeking authentic emo-punk amid the genre's resurgence.[3] Tracks from the album, particularly "Bleeder," became enduring fan favorites, emblematic of the band's early emotional intensity and helping to cement their status among dedicated listeners.[3][32] In retrospective assessments, Alkaline Trio is viewed as essential for understanding the band's foundational roots, offering a comprehensive snapshot of their pre-major-label evolution and thematic consistency in exploring heartbreak and resilience.[3] Its role in showcasing unpolished gems has led to ongoing appreciation, positioning it as a cornerstone for both longtime enthusiasts and newer audiences tracing the group's trajectory. Culturally, Asian Man Records' association with emerging talents like Alkaline Trio helped elevate the label's profile in the DIY scene, highlighting its commitment to preserving punk's raw essence during the late 1990s and early 2000s punk boom.[23][3]Album content
Track listing
Tracks 1–9 written by Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano, and Glenn Porter; tracks 10–12 written by Matt Skiba, Rob Doran, and Glenn Porter.[33]| No. | Title | Duration | Original release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Goodbye Forever" | 2:50 | I Lied My Face Off EP (1999)[34] |
| 2. | "This Is Getting Over You" | 4:47 | I Lied My Face Off EP (1999)[34] |
| 3. | "Bleeder" | 4:30 | I Lied My Face Off EP (1999)[34] |
| 4. | "I Lied My Face Off" | 4:09 | I Lied My Face Off EP (1999)[34] |
| 5. | "My Friend Peter" | 2:14 | Magnetic Curses compilation (2000)[35] |
| 6. | "Snake Oil Tanker" | 1:22 | For Your Lungs Only EP (1998)[36] |
| 7. | "Southern Rock" | 3:04 | For Your Lungs Only EP (1998)[36] |
| 8. | "Cooking Wine" | 2:18 | For Your Lungs Only EP (1998)[36] |
| 9. | "For Your Lungs Only" | 2:26 | For Your Lungs Only EP (1998)[36] |
| 10. | "Sundials" | 3:43 | Sundials single (1997)[9] |
| 11. | "Nose Over Tail" | 2:35 | Sundials single (1997)[9] |
| 12. | "'97" | 4:32 | Marc's a Dick and Gar's a Drunk: The Johann's Face Story compilation (1997)[10] |