Alkaline Trio is:
Matt Skiba - Guitar, Vocals
Dan Andriano - Bass, Vocals
Derek Grant - Drums
A Punk/Alternative/Indie band out of my hometown, Chicago, Good Mourning is Alkaline Trio's fifth (5th) official release.
1. This Could be Love
Starts with a minor riff and minor verse about loving fire and wanting to burn someone, then launches into a more upbeat chorus about, however, with depressing lyrics about planning his own detailed demise (slit my throat, play in my blood...). The only suprise comes at the end, when a synth comes in during the outro. I peronally love this song, and it's a great way to start of a record of Alkaline Trio's genre.
4/5
2. We've Had Enough
The only single from the disc that includes a video. It's another dark song with lyrics that really make no sense until you come to the chorus, when Skiba bring the song to the topic of how "there's nothing on the airwaves in the despair we feel," meaning he's too depressed for music. This song's catchy guitar and bass parts certainly make it worthy of a video and single.
4.5/5
3. 100 Stories
This is the first song on the album sung by Dan, whose voice definitly calms this song down a tad. This song is not about much, except the chorus, which is about how hell is not as good as it seems ("It's not even warm there, not even 10 degrees").Another catchy chorus, and the palm muting of the guitar gives it extra effect. Dan's vocals, however, are not nearly as enjoyable as Skiba's (I just like Matt's voice more).
3.5/5
4. Continental
Another Skiba song about the death of a loved one who takes one too many chances. The opening guitar riff is not overly creative, but it does it's job. A fairly good chorus, but not nearly as catchy as the first three. Continental is more pleasing for it's verses, which actually make sense. There are several songs I would have listed fourth on this album as opposed to this one, but I could understand why Alkaline Trio put it there.
3/5
5. All On Black
In this song, Skiba sings about his favorite color...you guessed it, black, and all the dark and disturbing things it can represent. This rest of the song is meaningless punk rhymes. Interesting drum part, especially at the beginning. Just a long drum roll, basically. Medeocre guitar and bass, but solid lyrics in verse and chorus, and the chorus's guitar part is great. The second single, but no video released.
3.5/5
6. Emma
The best Andriano song I've ever heard. This song has some of the most simplistic guitar and bass parts I've ever seen, but it so catchy it doesn't really matter. It's about how Emma break's Dan's heart by suddenly showing up, then suddenly leaving. Possibly the best chorus on the CD, and Skiba's background vocals on it make it awesome. Probably the best song on the disc.
5/5
7. Fatally Yours
A great follow up to Emma, almost equally catchy. This one's Skiba's, and is about how his ex-girlfriend comes back to him on her knees, but then kills him and one of his friends. When I first bought the album, I thought the chorus was the best one I've ever heard. It's so ***ing catchy! The guitar parts are all easy for the song, but, except for the intro, they are all satisfying.
4.5/5
8. Every Thug Needs A Lady
Andriano takes the record down a notch again with this one. An uneventful song with confusing guitar parts, Every Thung Needs A Lady is probably the worst song on the album. The choruses are decent, but the pauses take lots of meaning out of them. It's about how a thug's darkness and despairity need to be contrasted with love from a woman. Disappointing at best.
2/5
9. Blue Carolina
Okay song. A very long riff for any punk band. Dan's voice fits this song, though. It's about him missing his girlfriend. The only parts of this song I care to remember are the post-chorus and the drumming, both of which are good, and the drumming fits perfect. The post-chorus (yeahs) are supplemented with a very easy, but catchy riff with hand muting, and at the end it changes to a catchy minor riff. Okay at best.
2.5/5
10. Donner Party
For those of you who don't know, Donner is on of Santa's reindeer. However, with an Alkaline spin, this song is really not about Chistmas, but freezing to death.The one part of this song I don't like is the drumming on the chorus, which is too quiet. In this song, Skiba's voice is perfect. One of the higher points of the album.
4/5
11. If We Never Go Inside
About how summer nights keep going until you want it too stop. Andrano is fairly catchy in this one. I like the chorus, but every other part needs to be left at lower than medeocre. I will says it is Dan's best work on the album except, of course, Emma.
3.5/5
12. Blue In The Face
Acoustic and awesome. This is how all albums should end. Skiba goes solo on this one with a very catchy song all around about how his girl left them and he wants her back (obsesivly, of course). The intrro is great, but very easy. A great beginner's riff. I believe the verses are the best part about this song, but I could listen to the chorus over and aver again, too.
4.5/5
