Alkaline Trio - Agony & Irony

[Drew Beringer]

Alkaline Trio – Agony & Irony
Release Date: July 1, 2008
Record Label: Epic

“This is so bad.”

“This is my least favorite record by them.”

“They’re dead to me.”

“Maybe they should just break up.”

These were just some of the general reactions to Alkaline Trio’s 2005 release, Crimson. Many longtime fans of the band disliked it; they didn’t like the dynamics, the vibe, the atmosphere. It was “too goth.” The list continues. Quite frankly, this very reviewer enjoyed Crimson, sure it wasn’t their best work, but it was far from horrible. Now three years have passed, and the Chicago punk vets are back with their sixth studio album and Epic debut, Agony & Irony. But has three years been enough for fans to forget the bitter taste of Crimson?

Agony & Irony is somewhat a return to simplicity for the band. Some of the strings and orchestration used in Crimson are less prevalent and the band just rocks out. Opening track, “Calling All Skeletons” gets the party started with handclaps and big vocals from Matt Skiba. The chorus is contagious and will be in your head for hours. The first single, “Help Me,” features driving verses and a bouncy pre-chorus, and even though the chorus remotely sounds like The Cardigans’ “Love Fool,” it still works. “In Vein” has a nice choppy feel to it, with guitars that needle in and out and Dan Andriano providing the vocal backbone. The drumming from Derek Grant is also superb.

“Over And Out” is classic Trio, with Skiba solemn vocals pacing the verses, while “Do You Wanna Know?” features big guitars, a nice falsetto from Andriano, and perhaps the best chorus on the entire album. “Love Love, Kiss Kiss” may turn off fans initially, but eventually it grows on you like moss, and you may hate yourself for reciting the chorus over and over mere hours later.

The Trio save their best for last, as the final three tracks finish out the album in high fashion. “Lost And Rendered” is a frantic rocker, channeling a “Good Mourning” vibe throughout. “Ruin It” starts with static and a menacing guitar riff from Skiba, while Andriano pleads for you stick around for his “best day.” Closer “Into The Night” packs a punch. It’s everything you want in an Alkaline Trio track: fast, sharp, and to the point, quite the difference from the slow, dramatic “Smoke,” which closed Crimson.

In the end, will some fans be disappointed? Probably, but these are the people who wish Alkaline Trio would have written 10 Goddamnit’s in a row instead of progressing and expanding their sound. Regardless, Agony & Irony is a major improvement from Crimson; it’s instantly catchy and features all your favorite aspects of the band. While at the times the lyrics are subpar, the album still delivers, as it is one of the perfect punk rock albums to blast from your stereo for the remainder of summer.

Track Listing:
1. Calling All Skeletons
2. Help Me
3. In Vein
4. Over And Out
5. I Found Away
6. Do You Wanna Know?
7. Live Young, Die Fast
8. Love Love, Kiss Kiss
9. Lost And Rendered
10. Ruin It
11. Into The Night
Produced by: Josh Abraham

Alkaline Trio are:
Matt Skiba – vocals/guitar
Dan Andriano – vocals/bass
Derek Grant – drums

Official Website (http://www.alkalinetrio.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/alkalinetrio); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/alkalinetrio)

[Chris Fallon]

Good work, Drew. I don't get the hate. Alk3 fans are simply too harsh. It's a great album - they aren't the same guys they were when they released Infirmary.

[Tom Good]

Good album. I wish that they dropped the whole macabre themes and just went back to songs about drinking and girls, but it's still the best Alkaline Trio in a while (which is still better than most albums out there!).

[heyzombiehitler]

Good on drew. Im glad im not the only one who's a fan of Crimson. As for this album, I can't stop listening to it. Amazing.

[spooky2k]

this album wouldn't get above 65% for me. It is summed up by 'into the night', a re-hash of a popular ol' Alkaline Trio favourite 'Private Eye'. Lazy, churned out and care free. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the long time trio fans seem to enjoy.

[Paulb-182]

Good work, Drew. I don't get the hate. Alk3 fans are simply too harsh. It's a great album - they aren't the same guys they were when they released Infirmary.

Very True..but even musically i felt like crimson was a let down..it didnt sit right with me

although having heard the stream on myspace and planning to buy it the weekend..im impressed with it to say the least..you can never really judge an album from two listens, but its a definite improvement i think

[Karl Hansen]

I didn't think Crimson was that bad either and regarding this release, at first I was very dissapointed, but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me - which usually is the case with all really good albums. For some reason I think Dan's songs are the best ones on this release.

My fav. Alk3 album would probably be a draw between From Here To Infirmary and Good Mourning. The songs on From Here... are a little stronger, but I prefer Derek's drumming and the production of Good Mourning.

[hockeyguitar99]

I waiting until midnight to hear the album, but great review.

[TheHeretic]

Good review Drew, but 'Do You Wanna Know' is actually wrongly assumed to be track number 6, as it is merely a bonus track on some versions of the album. The actual album has only 10 tracks. I still view it as being a part of it (because the leak came with it set as track 6), since I don't like to dismiss a perfectly good album song as a B-side. (not saying that all B-sides are inferior, not at all) It's just a very catchy album and I've been playing it non-stop for a couple of weeks. Good stuff.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I really like this album

Calling all skeletons is a perfect opener

[TheGuillotine]

I didn't think Crimson was that bad either and regarding this release, at first I was very dissapointed, but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me - which usually is the case with all really good albums.


Agreed, took me a few listens to get into it, but now i can't put it down.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Nice review, and I agree. Crimson was easily my least favorite Alk3 release, but it wasn't awful. This is more of a return to form, and I enjoy it a lot.

[richie]

im still loving it so much and cant wait for the bonus tracks..one of my aoty so far

[EchoPark]

Drew great fair review brother.

This album is a jewel in the crown for them. Sure it disappoints at times but the good far outweighs the bad. And this album easily shits over most of the crap that is being released as "music" these days.

I will continue to carry the Alkaline Trio banner for as long as I'm around.

[Rich Duncan]

Good review. I enjoyed this album and it is definitely an improvement on the last few records which I just did not like at all.

[Nap]

Some songs are terrible like "Love Love Kiss Kiss" and "Live Young Die Fast". The rest is just ok or good. I'd give a 6,5/10.

Nice to see that finally someone mentioned that the chorus of "Help Me" reminds a little bit of "Lovefool"

[SuperJoe]

In the end, will some fans be disappointed? Probably, but these are the people who wish Alkaline Trio would have written 10 Goddamnit’s in a row instead of progressing and expanding their sound. Regardless, Agony & Irony is a major improvement from Crimson; it’s instantly catchy and features all your favorite aspects of the band. While at the times the lyrics are subpar, the album still delivers, as it is one of the perfect punk rock albums to blast from your stereo for the remainder of summer.

i am disappointed but in no way expect 10 goddamnit's. and i'm somebody who actually did enjoy crimson, quite a bit. i feel this is a pop rock record and deserve any success that may come with it. but the amount of comparisons to previous trio works are few and far between. the amount of times i hear this is a "return to form" for the band makes me wonder if i am listening to the same trio that everyone else is. i just don't hear it at all. and while i think it is a respectable review, i strongly disagree with the lyrics part. it's almost as if they are a footnote. the lyrics are easily 50% of the trio to me, if not more, and i'm sure nearly all trio fans would agree with that. the fact that they are "subpar" is quite a big deal. they are all married and starting to have kids now. singing about heartbreak and liver-spoiling drinking just doesn't sound as genuine and heartfelt as it did from days past.

i strongly feel these guys deserve some mainstream success and hope this record gives that to them, but these comparisons to old trio just blow my mind.



Good review Drew, but 'Do You Wanna Know' is actually wrongly assumed to be track number 6, as it is merely a bonus track on some versions of the album. The actual album has only 10 tracks. I still view it as being a part of it (because the leak came with it set as track 6), since I don't like to dismiss a perfectly good album song as a B-side. (not saying that all B-sides are inferior, not at all) It's just a very catchy album and I've been playing it non-stop for a couple of weeks. Good stuff.

actually derek has stated that the album was initially only supposed to have 10 tracks but the label made them go with 11, so my guess is that it will appear on at least the deluxe version as amazon is listing it as being on there.


and i don't get the love for that song. the chorus sounds like third eye blind's "how's it going to be?".

[slimfenix182]

awesome review. glad to see someone else point out that they're not going to keep re-writing "goddamnit" as that's been my main point in defending this great band all these years. these are matt's weakest lyrics, but that's like saying "this is the worst filet mignon I've ever had." they still kick the asses of most other bands in what remains of this scene.

[yoyoninjagirl]

Nice review. This album isn't so bad. It's much better than most of the other crap that's being released now.

[Shin Akuma]

Crimson was way much better IMO

[Poochemist]

A fair review of this- although I have not yet heard the album.

I don't know why people got their panties in a bunch over Crimson. As far as I could tell, Crimson had the exact same song patterns and instrumentation as their other albums (except for the addition of a piano and altered production). It was pretty solid, just like the bulk of their catalog.

[thekinison]

i loved Crimson, Mercy Me is a much better single them 'help Me in my opinion.

[princesschad]

This album is so good.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

All those quotes you said at the beginning of the review are what I make of this record. Crimson was much better then this. I'm glad the vocal style of Good Mourning popped up a little more on this album though.

[MoChroi]

It's still growing on me. Good review

[Andrew Love]

Love this record, didn't expect to

[smelltheglove]

Crimson didn't suck, it just wasn't as good as "good mourning" or "infirmiry" and was a bit overproduced with too many effects and weird compression on the vocals. it sounded a bit sterile/cold but had some instant classics like "mercy me" probaby my fav on the album.

i'm semi-looking forward to hearing this, they played 5 songs off it at their show in Pittsburgh last week and I wasn't really impressed with any of them, but its hard to form a true impression/opionin of a song based on one listen in a live setting, but they just seemed out of place when put next to their back catalog, the one song sounded just like a Franz Ferdinand song (Dan sang it) and the chorus to "help me" is pretty tame/lame (I like the verses though and main riff). but as for saying its a "return to their roots", I don't know, based on the 5 songs I heard live that's a stretch.

[fadedmemories]

drew, is this aoty material?

[billl]

alkaline trio is like weezer now, a once great band who can write the same type of song, but the lyrics get worse with each release.

[smelltheglove]

also, I agree that it is unfair to expect dudes that are 30 and happily married and with kids now to write the same shit they wrote in their early 20's when they were single, depressed alchoholics. they practice yoga now ok? the songs have to be positive or metaphorical because the narratives about drinking and breakups would be complete fictitious and hollow at this point. if they wrote "my friend peter" now it woudl go like this:

"I don't care, who the major label thinks should design my shoes
its more than fair, to give Nike a chance since they sponsor our huge Bus
which is where...I do yoga instead of drink and have shitloads of endorsed clothing and gear
I try on between sips of merlot and looking at pictures of Dan's baby daughter

i'm tired...of fans wishing I was 18 and
i'm tired of them expecting me to be depressed and drunk when I'm 30 and married
i'm tired of playing songs I wrote 10 years ago just because you heard Godammit for the first time last year and want to hear them
maybe my A&R rep Peter can tell me what to do"

[billl]

I think they are still writing about being depressed alcoholics...

"Love, Love, Kiss, Kiss, blah blah blah.
You're making me sick, I wish you'd just stop showing off
For the rest of us that no one wants to love
It's hard enough trying to drink another Winter all alone
Love, Love, Kiss, Kiss, blah blah blah."

probably one of the worst Alk trio songs ever.

[Drew Beringer]

Good review Drew, but 'Do You Wanna Know' is actually wrongly assumed to be track number 6, as it is merely a bonus track on some versions of the album. The actual album has only 10 tracks. I still view it as being a part of it (because the leak came with it set as track 6), since I don't like to dismiss a perfectly good album song as a B-side. (not saying that all B-sides are inferior, not at all) It's just a very catchy album and I've been playing it non-stop for a couple of weeks. Good stuff.
The advance states it as track 6, so I think they added it in there at the last moment?

[Drew Beringer]

drew, is this aoty material?
no

[gonfreaks]

Great review, I really like the album. Love In Vein, Love Love Kiss Kiss, Ruin It, Into the Night, and Do You Wanna Know. Gonna be listening to this for a while, very pleased (and I wasn't a big fan of Crimson)

[fadedmemories]

no

too bad.... but I'll still probably get this

[a speedo model]

While it is better than I expected, it still isn't that great. Some great songs, some good, some horrible. I love how people say that those who are disappointed with Alkaline Trio's latest albums just wish they'd written Goddammit 10 times, what a lame response to criticism. Matt's lyrics just aren't on par with his previous work. But Dan was naturally able to pull through with another 4 out of 4.

[slimfenix182]

while I love the album, I can't help but wish they left off "love love, kiss kiss." that is the first time in my life I can honestly say I don't care for an alkaline trio song. I didn't even enter that contest because I disliked it that much. God help me if they did a video for this, cause it just has no edge to it. I don't think they would though. they would have picked their least favorite song on the album to use in that contest.

[Why Bother?]

Love this record.

I don't see why anyone would hate Love Love, Kiss Kiss. It's a great song about loneliness and not finding "the one".

[peewhai]

I personally love everything the Trio's ever done. Crimson was quite a good buy.
I'm so looking forward to Agony & Irony. These guys can do no wrong.

[ddb43]

I'm enjoying this more and more w/ each listen. It took Crimson a lot of playing time to get to the status of really good album for me. I have to say that "Live Fast Die Young" is probably the worst song by alk3 that I've heard. Everything else is pretty solid though. I've already played out the ep and can't wait to play out the rest of the full length. Also, I saw them in Columbia, SC recently and they absolutely killed it along w/ Bayside. Good times!

[liar23]

pretty good record

[dustyfloors]

Amazing album. Tomorrow's the record release show!
I'm psyched!

[Punkdc]

Great review. Spot on, but I did like this album a lot.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

also, I agree that it is unfair to expect dudes that are 30 and happily married and with kids now to write the same shit they wrote in their early 20's when they were single, depressed alchoholics. they practice yoga now ok? the songs have to be positive or metaphorical because the narratives about drinking and breakups would be complete fictitious and hollow at this point. if they wrote "my friend peter" now it woudl go like this:

"I don't care, who the major label thinks should design my shoes
its more than fair, to give Nike a chance since they sponsor our huge Bus
which is where...I do yoga instead of drink and have shitloads of endorsed clothing and gear
I try on between sips of merlot and looking at pictures of Dan's baby daughter

i'm tired...of fans wishing I was 18 and
i'm tired of them expecting me to be depressed and drunk when I'm 30 and married
i'm tired of playing songs I wrote 10 years ago just because you heard Godammit for the first time last year and want to hear them
maybe my A&R rep Peter can tell me what to do"

haha you worded that really well

[slimfenix182]

I don't get the hate for "live fast, die young." it's not my favorite, but it's not close to worst song ever. also, I wasn't sure about "help me" at first, but it's grown on me alot. it's fucking great live too. I shall be purchasing the deluxe for the acoustic tracks too, because there is no sweeter sound than acoustic trio.

[The Personist]

Awesome review. Can't wait to pick this up tomorrow.

And I, too, was a fan of Crimson. It was different, but it was good. In general, I have a problem with folks who say good songwriting is tantamount to a band losing its touch. If you want 10 Goddamnits, listen to the album on repeat ten times. It's that simple.

[SanePsychotic]

Good review. You're getting me so psyched for this album. Party tomorrow! :celebrate:

[Goat01]

I'd have to agree, it's an awesome record.
And totally, I don't see why there's so much hate for Crimson.
Sure, it's different, but it's still a good album.


I'm gonna listen to this record 10 times tomorrow, at least.

[Mercy Medical]

Good album. I wish that they dropped the whole macabre themes and just went back to songs about drinking and girls, but it's still the best Alkaline Trio in a while (which is still better than most albums out there!).
Haha, love your avatar.

[EchoPark]

also, I agree that it is unfair to expect dudes that are 30 and happily married and with kids now to write the same shit they wrote in their early 20's when they were single, depressed alchoholics. they practice yoga now ok? the songs have to be positive or metaphorical because the narratives about drinking and breakups would be complete fictitious and hollow at this point. if they wrote "my friend peter" now it woudl go like this:

"I don't care, who the major label thinks should design my shoes
its more than fair, to give Nike a chance since they sponsor our huge Bus
which is where...I do yoga instead of drink and have shitloads of endorsed clothing and gear
I try on between sips of merlot and looking at pictures of Dan's baby daughter

i'm tired...of fans wishing I was 18 and
i'm tired of them expecting me to be depressed and drunk when I'm 30 and married
i'm tired of playing songs I wrote 10 years ago just because you heard Godammit for the first time last year and want to hear them
maybe my A&R rep Peter can tell me what to do"


LOL That is fucking gold. You should record that.

[Dan1234]

can't wait to pick this up tomorrow!

[bouttogetfancy]

sure it wasn’t their best work, but it was far from horrible

completely agree
I can't wait to get this tomorrow.

[Big_Guy]

no way this is better than Crimson.


this is simply awful

[terrrrrible]

I thought Do You Wanna Know? was a b-side?

[Drew Beringer]

I thought Do You Wanna Know? was a b-side?
Epic had it added to the album.

[mr chainsaw]

Nice review, and I agree. Crimson was easily my least favorite Alk3 release, but it wasn't awful. This is more of a return to form, and I enjoy it a lot.

Crimson has some really good songs on it though...like "Your Neck" or "Back to Hell." It kinda feels like a B-sides album because it does not flow very well.

"Agony and Irony" flows a lot better and while at first I thought it was weak, it has certainly grown on me.

[mr chainsaw]

can't wait to pick this up tomorrow!

dude i still need to send you those allister farewell pics

[mr chainsaw]

also, I agree that it is unfair to expect dudes that are 30 and happily married and with kids now to write the same shit they wrote in their early 20's when they were single, depressed alchoholics. they practice yoga now ok? the songs have to be positive or metaphorical because the narratives about drinking and breakups would be complete fictitious and hollow at this point. if they wrote "my friend peter" now it woudl go like this:

"I don't care, who the major label thinks should design my shoes
its more than fair, to give Nike a chance since they sponsor our huge Bus
which is where...I do yoga instead of drink and have shitloads of endorsed clothing and gear
I try on between sips of merlot and looking at pictures of Dan's baby daughter

i'm tired...of fans wishing I was 18 and
i'm tired of them expecting me to be depressed and drunk when I'm 30 and married
i'm tired of playing songs I wrote 10 years ago just because you heard Godammit for the first time last year and want to hear them
maybe my A&R rep Peter can tell me what to do"

lol smell the glove...

and these lyrics are awesome...compose an accordion part and you could be the punk rock version of weird al

[serotoninzero]

I enjoyed Crimson more to be honest, but I'm sitting pretty well with this one. I keep wanting to hear the songs in my head so I turn it on, so thats good.

[Kid B]

I like this. Great review.

[SeanEBoy2686]

i really havent disliked anything they've done. like you said in your review, Crimson wasn't their best but it was enjoyable still

good review

[Co and Ca]

I love everything this band has ever done. They have been one of my favorite bands for 6 years now. I haven't heard much from this CD, but I know I will enjoy it because they have never let me down.

[AlkalineAshes]

I like it much better then Crimson, and the only song i skip everytime is live young die fast, which i just find annoying

[cheesebowl]

i cant wait to get this album tomorrow. and i really like love love kiss kiss. ive only let myself hear three songs so not to spoil it. this review makes me excited for it!

[Billy Da Mute]

good review, just got this, its better then i expected, obviously not going to be another Goddamnit! or anything but i like it far better then Crimson

[hienz429]

i think it starts out pretty strong then gets medicore

[SanePsychotic]

I like it for the most part. I've only listened to it twice so time will show any flaws I have with it.

[sdisticsquirrel]

i still really enjoy Crimson. everyone just hates that album because it seemed to be the beginning of the bigger sound...they took a step toward becoming more epic with that album (no pun intended)... and apparently some of the "fans" reacted the same way Green Day fans reacted back in the day.
for me...Skibba can do no wrong.
and i saw them in Columbia and thoroughly enjoyed every second... even the Crimson tracks they played.
bands mature/progress....life happens...it changes people, even the ones in bands. don't hate, masticate...

[SanePsychotic]

Crimson was good. It got me into them and I don't really see an issue with it. Some of the string and synths took away from the music at times, but I though it was a solid album.

[Billy Da Mute]

dont get me wrong, i love everything alk does, crimson was just my least favorite at the time. and Crimson both tuned new people into them (like post above me) and turned some of the older fans used to shit from Goddamnit! and MICF off and into haters because it was so "epic" and them "selling out" I know bands mature, Crimson wasnt just holding up to me like the others were. I think its something about A & I's catchiness and shit that makes me like it better, though mercy me and fall victim were bangin songs too. idk. all preference. I'm seeing them the in philly on the 15th and it should be a pretty good show.

[SanePsychotic]

I really, really need to buy MICF. Just looking at the cover makes me want to listen it (so pretty).

[Billy Da Mute]

thats my favorite album by them. sleepyhead and fuck you aurora own. go buy it

[SanePsychotic]

I will. I just haven't gotten around to it. By the end of the year for sure. :nod:

[DI Pistola]

I don't get the hate for "live fast, die young." it's not my favorite, but it's not close to worst song ever. also, I wasn't sure about "help me" at first, but it's grown on me alot. it's fucking great live too. I shall be purchasing the deluxe for the acoustic tracks too, because there is no sweeter sound than acoustic trio.

Yeah, I actually like that track a lot too.

Definitely loving all the bonus acoustic tracks--the iTunes version has a recent recording of "Maybe I'll Catch Fire" done acoustic. Sweet touch.

I'm really getting into this album--a lot more than Crimson, which I'll agree with some on here in saying that while it was a low point, it still wasn't that bad of a record.

[SanePsychotic]

I'll get into this record eventually. I'm just not going to force it right now. Things take time to sink in. "Calling All Skeletons" is great though.

[grizbo]

I'm very satisfied with this release. Good review.

[Tyler Dumont]

Picked this up on Vinyl today. Came with free mp3 download as well. I love it.

[cculpepp]

Yeah...good call...Alk3 is really making a comeback. I think being on "The Hills" really upped their cred in my book.

[Billy Da Mute]

Yeah...good call...Alk3 is really making a comeback. I think being on "The Hills" really upped their cred in my book.

hahahahaaha

it was a dark day for me when i saw that clip

[jenny_ell]

i think im gonna go buy this today. good review. i dont get why people are hating either, this album seems really good from the songs they have on the myspace. i've always liked ak3, though i've been more of a 'good mouring' ak3 fan and i like more of their poppy stuff, i guess thats why i love this cd. seeing them tonight!!

[slimfenix182]

Yeah...good call...Alk3 is really making a comeback. I think being on "The Hills" really upped their cred in my book.

why don't you read skiba's answer in their interview before you decide to be a dickwad?!

[reissgoespunk]

Yeah...good call...Alk3 is really making a comeback. I think being on "The Hills" really upped their cred in my book.

why don't you read skiba's answer in their interview before you decide to be a dickwad?!

Agreed.

[dancetony]

spot on review. this album gives me the goosebumps from a to z. the last three songs are definitely the best party of the album.

useless information: i got into these guys when "crimson" came out. when i dug into their older stuff, i could kinda see why people bitch about the album. but that album was good. a nice change, i think. change is good.

[DuctTape44]

i never had a problem with Crimson, not songwise atleast. I am a bass player and i envy Dan's bass playing on previous albums, i just feel like these last 2 record releases was a slap in the face for Dan's potential. sure his basslines were good, just very hard to hear.
both in the studio and live dan needs to turn the bass up. whats the point of having a trio if you can only hear the guitar and drums ?

[Autumns_Burning]

Dan's vocals took a bit to grow on me, I think I actually started to like him on Crimson, and was further solidified on the DVD that came with Remains. As far as Crimson goes... it may not be their strongest album, but I still like it. It is a bit slower and a little more haunting in general... more toned down, musicly. Lyricly its a bit darker, which is fine. Don't get me wrong I love the drinking and "fuck my ex girlfriend" lyrics of old. I have yet to listen to this new release although I am about to finally, and I must admit despite hearing "Help Me" and shuddering with dread for yet ANOTHER band that has signed to a major label, and possibly gone a sappy and radio friendly ( omfg AFI much!) I am still confident I will at least enjoy Agony, even if I don't love it, like I do the rest of their albums.

[Autumns_Burning]

OK yeah, I dig it. And love love, kiss kiss, and Live young die fast are the album's slump. I will be fine listening to Help Me, so long as I don't keep seeing the damn video on MTV as I skim through channels or hearing it in someplace like Best Buy...the chorus is a bit annoying if heard over and over and OVER, but the song isn't bad. Overall the album is more upbeat than Crimson, but so far, I am still more partial to Crimson, and obviously all their previous albums. I only listened through it once though to get a quick feel for it. Hell Yes or Queen of Pain are still their best fuckin songs IMO

[cockers]

Agony & Irony sounds like the trio have completely lost their edge. There are plenty of hooks and good song writing, but its second (or maybe third) rate compared to what we all know they are capable of. Next stop for Alkaline: World tour with Matchbox Twenty.

[wheresmycookie]

I like the Trio, I'm not sure why, I just do. Favourite Trio lyric - "Fine time to fake a siezure".

[doritoz]

In My Stomach is an awesome song.

[HardcoreCracker]

didnt mention Love Love, Kiss Kiss! thats like..the best song on the album