"Agony & irony" CD by Alkaline Trio

by Oliver Kube (14.07.2008) With "Calling all skeletons", the very catchy, poppy opener which nevertheless is no boring affair, the pop/punk rockers around front man Matt Skiba start off their sixth studio release - that raises high expectations for the rest of the cd! But don’t worry, they can keep the high level with "Help me", a sad singalong affair reminding you positively of the newer Greenday tunes or with the atmospheric half ballad "Over and out". Other highlights: "I found a way" (put on your dancing shoes!) and the sophisticated "Live young, die fast". But "In vein", playing with ska rhythms at the beginning, becoming more and more of an anthem and an exciting middle part surpasses them all. One of the best songs in this genre so far this year! Modern, totally captivating and diversified alternative rock with a dash of punk - when they’re at it like that, the boys from Chicago finally should prepare for their breakthrough over here, too.