Alkaline Trio – “Is This Thing Cursed?”

Woah. This is different for Alkaline Trio. The vocal melodies remind me of something Smoking Popes would do. I like!

 

This is easily the most excited I've been about an Alkaline Trio song since Good Mourning.

 

The trading-off vocals definitely feels different for Trio... Can't think of a song where both Matt and Dan have held lead vocal duties fairly equally in a given song. Not going to lie, I couldn't help but smirk at the "tits up" part... never heard that expression before.

 

I guess it’s probably a common-ish expression over here in the UK.

 

It's not too common, but it's happened before. I think the first time that went down was on "Old School Reasons" back in 2003, maybe?

 

Yeah... that's definitely got a trade-off to it. Typically the Trio MO is one person dominates the singing duties and the other provides back-ups. I was also stoked that Dan kicked off the album.

 

Only one I can really think of from an album proper is “Mercy Me.”

 

Skiba's been doing vocal trade offs on every song with Blink for the last 2 years. Looks like it rubbed off on Alk3.

 

This is sounding good. I haven't loved a full ALK3 record since Crimson (Remains doesn't count). 2 for 2 with the singles so far.

 

My wife really got into “This Addiction” recently and it’s grown on me a lot. I was ambivalent when it first came out out.

 

Draculina, Dine Dine my Darling, Eating Me Alive...the trumpet...

There are some OK songs but not a great full album.

 

Wow, I really can't tell how much I'm loving this new track, I've already listened to it three times in a row.

 

When Skiba backs Dan in the chorus, echoes of Emma. While not the case here, Emma is a Skiba song sung by Dan

 

it's very often used in Czech language too

 

This one edges out Blackbird as a better track, but they both exceeded my expectations!!

 

Great tune. Can’t wait for the full album.

 

Both tracks are just "fine" for me. I hope I love the record since I pre-ordered the vinyl before even listening to Blackbird lol.

 

Does this “kinda” remind anyone of cynical? Just the way it starts and skiba comes in. Very rad regardless. Love it!

 

Really into this song after one listen. This is shaping up to be a solid album. Alkaline Trio are masters of making such catchy melodies that get stuck in your head after one listen.

 

2/2 so far, but I feel like Blackbird was better than this.

 

I adore this song. The build up with piano and Dan's vocals...ugh, so good. I saw them live last night in St. Louis and they were great, but I seriously miss Derek behind the kit right now. Not to discredit Jarrod Alexander's talent, but they're just different drummers. Derek is a HUGE influence on me as a drummer, and I prefer Derek's machine-like yet fluid drumming style. That being said, the band did sound great last night. Can't wait for the new album!!

 

Really cool song.

 

Is it Derek on the new album even though he's not touring?

 

Yes, the band confirmed that in their post about Derek being absent this tour.