Crimson

by

Alkaline Trio

Edit

Alkaline Trio has matured. There's no way of avoiding it, or arguing against it. Both lyrically and musically they have grown from their near suicidal alcohol and drug binge days to a more creepy, horror movie type of songwriting. The music has matured as well. The recording scenarios are better, the bass lines, guitar riffs, and percussion are all better than they were. They are a tighter band, and "Crimson" shows that.

This album brings a mixed bag to the table. Building upon the success of 2003's "Good Mourning", the band continues their quest for catchy almost goth themed songs. Denying that "Time to Waste" is a good song is absurd. "Mercy Me", "Sadie" and "Smoke" highlight this album. While "I Was a Prayer" and "Back to Hell" add more conceptual depth. The songs are smart, and the lyrics as well written as ever, on both Matt's and Dan's songs.

The sound does take a little getting used to. If you're favorite Alkaline albums are "Maybe I'll Catch Fire" and "Goddamnit" then don't buy this album. You will just be disappointed and then want to blast them for not staying true to their roots, which is near impossible for any band anyway. However, if you appreciate the band as clever musicians (which they undoubtedly are, then buy the album, and it will prove to you that songs about Helter Skelter, pills, death, and catastrophe can ultimately be enjoyable.

I bought this CD on a whim without having heard much of it. That said, after having listened too it awhile it has impressed me. It isn't the most groundbreaking album I've ever heard, but its just good music. Compared with older Alkaline Trio cd's this does have a more mature sound. However, it does have the feeling that they are trying to attract a broader audience, so it does have a more pop feeling too it. While I wouldn't call it over-produced, for lack of a better word, thats the feeling this album gives you. You can tell by the album cover that it has a more "produced" feeling too it. But thats not a bad thing in my opinion.

Anyways, you can tell that these guys have talent. I'm not too terribly wild about the lead singer's voice, but it certainly is not bad, it just takes awhile too get used too (but that could be said of alot of bands, so I wouldn't think too much about it). The band itself sounds great, and I think thats the main reason I like this cd.

I actually like the direction taken by the band on this cd. The very opening song starts off with a piano introduction. It really sounds great, and it actually flows and sounds cohesive. I have a feeling that this is one of those albums that grows on you more and more as you listen. So I'm sure it will be in my cd rotation for awhile. I don't think Crimson quite deserves 4 stars, but its not a 3 star album either. So I'll give it 3.5 too high 3 star rating.