Alkaline Trio

Alkaline Trio is an American punk rock band that formed in Chicago, Illinois, in late 1996. Known for their dark lyrics, catchy melodies, and gothic aesthetic, the band has built a loyal fanbase over the years. The current lineup features Matt Skiba (guitar, vocals), Dan Andriano (bass, vocals), and Atom Willard (drums). Over the course of their career, Alkaline Trio has released several albums, becoming a staple in the punk rock scene.

History

Early Years, Goddamnit and Maybe I’ll Catch Fire (1996–2000)

Alkaline Trio was formed in December 1996 by Matt Skiba (guitar, lead vocals), Rob Doran (bass, vocals), and Glenn Porter (drums). The band’s first release was the single “Sundials” in 1997. Shortly after its release, Rob Doran left the band, and Dan Andriano, who had previously played in bands like Tuesday and Slapstick, stepped in as the new bassist and co-lead vocalist. The band continued to develop their sound and released their debut EP, For Your Lungs Only, in 1998, followed by their first full-length album, Goddamnit, later that same year. Maybe I’ll Catch Fire, their second studio album, was released in 2000, further cementing their reputation in the punk scene.

From Here to Infirmary and Good Mourning (2001–2004)

In 2001, Alkaline Trio released their third album, From Here to Infirmary, on Vagrant Records. This album marked a significant turning point for the band, featuring the singles “Stupid Kid” and “Private Eye,” which helped them gain broader recognition. Their next album, Good Mourning, was released in 2003 and showcased a more polished production while retaining the band’s signature sound. The album’s lead single, “We’ve Had Enough,” received considerable airplay, and the band continued to grow in popularity.

During this period, the band members also pursued side projects. Matt Skiba collaborated with Kevin Seconds on a split record, while Dan Andriano worked on split records with Mike Felumlee. Additionally, the band contributed to various compilation albums and recorded split EPs with Hot Water Music and One Man Army. In 2004, Andriano joined The Falcon, a punk rock supergroup, further expanding his musical repertoire.

Crimson and Agony & Irony (2005–2008)

Alkaline Trio released their fifth studio album, Crimson, in 2005, which featured the single “Time to Waste.” The album marked a shift in the band’s sound, incorporating more complex arrangements and darker themes. A special edition of Crimson was released later that year, featuring demo and acoustic versions of several tracks, as well as additional liner notes.

In 2007, Alkaline Trio released Remains, a compilation album of B-sides, rarities, and live performances, along with a DVD that included all of the band’s music videos up to that point. This marked the end of their association with Vagrant Records, and they later signed with Epic Records, where they released Agony & Irony in 2008. The album continued to explore darker lyrical themes and featured the single “Help Me.”

This Addiction (2009–2011)

In 2009, Alkaline Trio announced that they had left Epic Records and would be releasing new material through their own label, Heart & Skull, in partnership with Epitaph Records. The band returned to their roots with the release of This Addiction in 2010, which was recorded in their hometown of Chicago with early producer Matt Allison. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, making it their highest-charting release to date. In 2011, the band celebrated their 15th anniversary with the release of Damnesia, an acoustic-based album featuring reimagined versions of their songs and a few new tracks.

My Shame Is True and “Past Live” Tour (2012–2015)

In 2012, Alkaline Trio began working on their next studio album with producer Bill Stevenson at The Blasting Room. The resulting album, My Shame Is True, was released in 2013, alongside an accompanying EP titled Broken Wing. The album continued to explore personal themes and received positive reviews from fans and critics alike. In 2014, the band embarked on the “Past Live” tour, where they performed all eight of their studio albums in their entirety over four consecutive nights in select cities.

Is This Thing Cursed? (2016–2019)

Following Matt Skiba’s work with Blink-182, Alkaline Trio returned with their ninth studio album, Is This Thing Cursed?, in 2018. The album was seen as a return to form, drawing comparisons to their earlier work. The band supported the album with a North American tour, and despite some health issues with drummer Derek Grant, they completed the tour with the help of Jarrod Alexander, who filled in on drums.

E.P., Grant’s Departure, and Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs (2020–Present)

In March 2020, Alkaline Trio released a three-song EP titled E.P., following the postponement of a planned tour with Bad Religion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band began working on new material and, in June 2023, announced that Derek Grant had left the band after 22 years, citing mental health reasons. Atom Willard was announced as his replacement shortly thereafter.

On October 17, 2023, the band announced their tenth studio album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, set for release on January 26, 2024. The album, which includes contributions from Derek Grant before his departure, was supported by the release of several singles, including the title track, “Bad Time,” and “Versions of You.” The band will embark on a headlining tour with Drug Church in 2024 to support the album.

Music Style, Influences, Lyrics, Related Bands, and Similar Bands

Music Style, Influences, and Lyrics

Alkaline Trio’s music has been primarily described as pop-punk, punk rock, emo, and alternative rock. Their influences include bands such as Screeching Weasel, Pegboy, Naked Raygun, Ramones, Misfits, and Green Day. The band’s gothic aesthetic draws from acts like The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy, Ministry, and Joy Division. Lyrically, Alkaline Trio often explores themes of love, depression, alcoholism, and dark humor, combining macabre imagery with clever wordplay.

Related Bands and Similar Bands

Alkaline Trio is connected to a large circle of Chicago punk and hardcore bands. Matt Skiba previously played in bands like Jerkwater and Traitors, while Dan Andriano was a member of Slapstick and Tuesday. Over the years, members of Alkaline Trio have participated in various side projects, including The Falcon, Heavens, and Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room. Alkaline Trio has often been compared to bands such as Jawbreaker and Green Day for their melodic yet gritty approach to punk rock.

Band Members

Current Members

• Matt Skiba – guitar, lead and backing vocals, bass (1996–present)
• Dan Andriano – bass, lead and backing vocals, guitar (1997–present)
• Atom Willard – drums, percussion (2023–present; touring substitute 2000–2001)

Former Members

• Rob Doran – bass, backing vocals (1996–1997)
• Glenn Porter – drums, percussion (1996–2000)
• Mike Felumlee – drums, percussion (2000–2001)
• Derek Grant – drums, percussion, backing and occasional lead vocals, acoustic guitar (2001–2023)

Touring Substitutes

• Pete Parada – drums (2001)
• Jarrod Alexander – drums (2018–2019)

Studio Substitute

• Tony Barsotti – drums (2020)

Discography

For a more comprehensive list, see Alkaline Trio discography.

Studio Albums

• Goddamnit (1998)
• Maybe I’ll Catch Fire (2000)
• From Here to Infirmary (2001)
• Good Mourning (2003)
• Crimson (2005)
• Agony & Irony (2008)
• This Addiction (2010)
• My Shame Is True (2013)
• Is This Thing Cursed? (2018)
• Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs (2024)