Remains

Label: Vagrant/Hassle

It’s been over ten years since Chicago punks Alkaline Trio got together, although not the same line-up as they are today with Matt Skiba (guitar/vocals), Dan Andriano (bass/vocals) and Derek Grant (drums/back-up vocals).  Since 1996 they have become one of the wolrds biggest pop punk bands, but what sets them apart from other bands such as Blink-182 or New Found Glory is the dark undertone of they’re lyrics, often bringing up subjects such as alcoholism, drugs, blasphemy and death. 

Since the band first started recording the guys have managed to build up quite a back-catalogue of tracks recorded for various compilations, EP’s and B-side, Remains has been put together to put all these tracks on one CD.  This collection includes tracks right back from the early days released on Lookout and Asian Man Records where it all began.  Alkaline Trio have featured on many compilations over the years and on here you can find tracks from label samplers and the very successful ‘Rock Against Bush’ compilation put out by Fat Wreck Chords.  On Remains you can also find the tracks taken from the split album with the mighty Hot Water Music including an awesome of cover the amazing Rooftoops.  Also tracks from the split with One Man army, which was released as part of the BYO Records split series, including the cover version of The Damned’s classic Wait For The Blackout.  The album finishes of with a more recent recording; three tracks recorded live at Avalon Hollywood during the Occult Roots Tour in 2006.

The packaging for this is ‘Quality’ each song is complete with lyrics and a brief story behind the song by the band members.  An added bonus with this is a DVD featuring the videos for Stupid Kid, We’ve Had Enough, Time To Waste, Mercy Me and Burn.  You will also find lots of live and backstage footage on tour with Alkaline Trio.

The is an essential purchase for any fans of Alkaline Trio and even a good way for new fans to look back over the bands career so far.

by Dale