The Alkaline Trio is an indie rock/punk/emo band from Chicago consisting of Matt Skiba (of Jerkwater ) on guitar/vocals, Dan Andriano on bass/vocals, and Derek Grant on drums. Their music is characterized by morbid lyrics, catchy hooks, fast tempos and a recurring theme of alcoholism

The band formed in 1997 (see 1997 in music). They began recording that year, and built up a sizable fanbase in the American Midwest. Their first album was 1998's Goddamnit, followed by Maybe I'll Catch Fire in 2000 (Both on Asian Man Records). Also in 2000, the band released a collection of their previously released EPs on the album The Alkaline Trio. From Here to Infirmary was released in 2001 on Vagrant Records and was their first album to see any interest from alternative radio, with the semi-hit punk single "Stupid Kid". Their latest full-length album is Good Mourning, from 2003 (see 2003 in music). They have also appeared on various compilation albums notably Plea for Peace Vol. 1 & 2 as well on Vagrant Records: Another year on the Streets Vol. 1,2, and 3, and Rock Against Bush Vol. 1. Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano have both appeared on Asian Man Records Split Series with a few solo songs. They also did compilation albums only with Hot Water Music in 2000 and One Man Army in 2004.

Alkaline Trio recently finished recording the songs for their next Vagrant Records release titled Crimson which is scheduled to be released May 24th 2005.

The Alkaline Trio are part of a large circle of Chicago punk/ska/hardcore bands that have some connection to the late, influential ska-punk band Slapstick. Other artists in this family tree include: The Broadways, Tuesday, The Lawrence Arms, The Honor System and, more tenuously, Florida's Less Than Jake.

Discography

• Goddamnit (1998)
• Maybe I'll Catch Fire (2000)
• The Alkaline Trio (2000)
• From Here to Infirmary (2001)
• Good Mourning (2003)
• Crimson (2005)

Samples

Listen to "97" at epitonic.com

External links

• Alkaline Trio Official Page (Flash plug-in required)