The start of 2024, much like the end of 2023, has been packed with new releases from the big names in punk rock and pop punk. After Blink 182, Neck Deep, and Green Day, here comes the latest drop from Alkaline Trio, released on January 26th. And here’s my take on “Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs” by Alkaline Trio.
I’m one of those people who’ve known about Alkaline Trio for a long time without really diving deep into their music back in the day. Tracks like “Mercy Me” or “Stupid Kid” were familiar, but that was about it, and looking back, I realize what a gap that was in my punk rock music knowledge because this band has it all. Like many, I rediscovered the band through Matt Skiba’s (guitar, vocals) stint with Blink 182. I actually enjoyed Matt’s time with Blink 182; I think he brought his own flair to the band. But that’s a story for another time.
Back to Alkaline Trio! The band has its own identity and has built a unique world over the years, with melancholic punk music where dark and macabre themes are a staple. Depression, alcoholism, drugs, death… such heavy topics have been explored throughout their career. I’m glad that “Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs” and its initial tracks made me rediscover a band of this magnitude.
A Successful Comeback!
This tenth album marks a return to roots for Alkaline Trio while showcasing their evolution over the years. “Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs” has warmly been received by critics and fans alike, cementing the band’s status in the punk rock scene. Tracks from the album are already dominating the top spots on the band’s Spotify listens.
The album dives deep with introspection and responses to today’s tumultuous world. Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano (bass, vocals) approached this album intending to reflect the apocalyptic horrors and realities of our era, venturing into a more stripped-down and direct musical and lyrical exploration than before. Despite touching on slightly less gritty themes than their previous work, the album doesn’t lack depth, tackling the darkness and alienation of our times with a mix of introspective and rallying songs.
The album kicks off with energetic tracks like “Hot For Preacher” and “Meet Me” – my personal favorite – grabbing your attention right away. The band’s signature catchy melodies and dark, romantic lyrics hit the mark. Then, it shifts to societal challenges through songs like “Break” and “Broken Down In A Time Machine.” While maintaining their distinct sound and themes, tracks like “Versions Of You” and “Scars” show the band’s ability to innovate while staying true to their identity. The album wraps up with “Teenage Heart,” a song that encapsulates the band’s journey, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking hope and resilience – my second favorite.
A “Unity of Purpose” for This Album
Alkaline Trio has benefited from Matt Skiba’s stint with California’s Blink 182. After contributing to two albums with Blink-182, Skiba brought back a renewed appreciation for collaborative writing to Alkaline Trio. This collective approach has enriched the creative process for the new album. This collaborative dynamic, present in his work with Blink-182, was crucial in the making of “Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs,” with Skiba aiming to recreate the “unity of purpose” he experienced with Blink-182.
Despite the clear stylistic differences between Alkaline Trio’s macabre punk and Blink-182’s sunny pop-punk, Skiba found it easy to switch between the two, highlighting the “totally different channels” of both bands. This experience enriched his musical vision, bringing a fresh energy to Alkaline Trio evident in “Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs,” making it a top-quality release in my view. Mark Hoppus, too, has praised his former bandmate’s work with his unique brand of humor!
This album is undoubtedly a great success for me, allowing Alkaline Trio to deliver a record that will please both old and new fans. Their energy, lyrics, and musical and vocal performance make this latest album a quality production that will shape the band’s future. I’ll be seeing the band live in Montreal very soon and won’t miss giving you an update on their live performance. I hope you enjoyed this review of “Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs” by Alkaline Trio. In the meantime, check out this masterpiece here:
