Alkaline Trio

From Here To Infirmary (2001)
Vagrant Records

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Contributed by: Scott
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on March 27th 2001

This is one hell of an EP. Too bad it's a full length. The Alkaline Trio continues it's descent into mediocrity and it seems no one can stop them. It's a damn shame, really. This band used to be spectacular. "Goddamnit" is an amazing album and it's still in my personal heavy-rotation to this day. I own "For Your Lungs Only" and "I Lied My Face Off" on both vinyl and CD because I love it that much [and because, one day, when I need money, eBay will probably see both]. "Maybe I'll Catch Fire" was a departure for the band, providing me with their first song that I really disliked ["Sleepyhead"] and providing them with a much wider audience. Isn't that the way it always is for bands? It always seems like a band's best material comes out before anyone knows who they are. On "From Here To Infirmary" it's obvious that the Trio has realized their new situation -- they're now on Vagrant Records [which is quickly turning into one of the most dominant indie labels out there], they're touring with bigger and bigger names [Now it's Blink 182], and they're generally becoming more available to mainstream popularity. This album definitely shows that this knowledge has been received by the band, at least somewhat.

The album kicks off with "Private Eye." This song immediately starts to fall into the "stereotypical" Alk3 song, with the chord changes in the same ol' places and obscenities being thrown in just for the hell of it, so it seems. "Mister Chainsaw" is next, and tries to sound like "Clavicle" but falls flat on it's face. Dan steps up to the mic for "Take With Lots Of Alcohol," and is probably the worst song I've ever heard him sing. This is no "Message from Kathlene" or "She Took Him To The Lake." Moving on, "Stupid Kid" gives the album a temporary shot in the arm, being the first good song on the CD. This might be due to the fact that the song is only 2:23, whereas the first three songs were all over 3 minutes. Maybe the Trio figured out to cut some of the filler out? Maybe not. "Another Innocent Girl," again sung by Dan, clocks in at 3:37, but they're able to pull it off, somewhat. The song is very reminiscent of "You've Got So Far To Go," but in a good way. "Steamer Trunk" is by far the most unmemorable Alk3 song I have ever heard. Boring as all get out. So far the album has only has one song I'd like to listen to again. Taking a look at the second half of the album, it tends to get much much better.

"You're Dead" is a nice slow number that is this album's "San Francisco." It's a very good song, to be blunt. "Armageddon" follows it up as a great fast punk number. The song is even better live. "I'm Dying Tomorrow" is the best song Dan sings on this album, and is one of the best he has ever sung. There is definite emotion in his voice here. I'm getting chills from this one. Next is "Bloodied Up," one of two songs the Trio gave to the "Another Year On The Streets" comp [the other one being "Crawl"], and sounds great. The fast tempo change seems to come out of nowhere, and I love it. "Trucks And Trains" has a "Sleepyhead" vibe to it, but it just sounds better overall. "Crawl" ends the album with not so much of a bang but not a whimper, either. Dan's voice soothes you for four and a half minutes, and to be honest, this could be a Smoking Popes song. It's a great album ender, and it makes me want to play the album again -- until I realize the first 6 songs are pretty boring.

The Alkaline Trio is shooting for the stars with this album, and I think a lot of former die-hards will abandon them on their journey. I'm just glad I didn't get that tattoo of the skull in the heart on my arm now...
[taken from a different kind of greatness webzine]

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

devianter (November 27, 2010)

mill83
he isn't. this album is a fucking waste of time.

Dopeman (August 3, 2009)

Hell, I thought it was good. But Maybe I'll Catch Fire is much better.

mill83 (May 18, 2009)

I'm all for opinions, but do you ever go look at an old review of an album and think to yourself, "You're fucking wrong."?

FranklinStein (April 5, 2008)

how about, "what if I'm the one who's crazy?"...that would be even better.

miff (December 13, 2007)

did you mean
maybe im the one whos crazy?
if so that would be nice

kingofsuck (June 30, 2006)

I love this album. I like it even more than Maybe I'll Catch Fire. Maybe I'm just crazy.

Anonymous (June 15, 2006)

Oh, my world. It is ok

MARKO630 (May 29, 2006)

by far the best ALK3 album

miff (November 2, 2005)

this review makes no sense to someone who hasnt heard their earlyer stuff

Anonymous (December 7, 2004)

"you're dead" is an awesome song.....

KeithyBoBeefy (November 11, 2004)

"think a lot of former die-hards will abandon them on their journey. I'm just glad I didn't get that tattoo of the skull in the heart on my arm now."

I want that tatoo. And this album is very very good, and good mourning was great. The split they put out was good too. So I don't see how hardcore alkalient rio fans, like myself, didn't stay with them.

Anonymous (March 27, 2004)

This review is pretty bad, you don't seem to be able to let go of there old stuff. Personally, i'd be really annoyed if they always stayed the same as Goddammit, and i bet you'ed be saying how it was really unoriginal if they did. Thats two bad ones i've read by you so far, and i've only read two.

Anonymous (December 4, 2003)

Best trio album so far, although the album finishes with "hell yes" at least it does on the UK version. Quality band live they seriously rocked the Limelight in Belfast last month.

Anonymous (July 12, 2003)

This review is horrible. There's way too many contradictions. Pretty bad job Scott.

Anonymous (June 23, 2003)

I disagree with this review, which is unusual because I think Scott is usually right on the money with most of his stuff. "From Here to Infirmary" is a good solid album. I couldn't compare it to their other stuff cos I heard this first. In that regard I think I am able to give a less biased account of this. The album kicks off in fantastic style with "Private Eye". This is one of my favourite tunes of the album and is a genuine sing-a-long anthem. Things then flow along nicely to "Stupid Kid" another fantastic song, which has a real good video that has been played on MTV2. The middle continues on where the album opened with more great tunes and some awesome lyrics (ie "if assholes could fly this place would be busier than O'Hare"). FHTI then closes with 3 more strong tracks ("Trucks and Trains" being the pick of the bunch). This is a great album which I would label as pop-punk. However, it is an pop-punk LP without the typically boring songwriting that is so typical to many other bands in the genre. Alk3 are a cut above the rest ad this Vagrant debut only solidifies this.

-bemused-

Anonymous (May 28, 2003)

How do you expect to enjoy any album by alkaline trio if you compare them all to goddamnit... I was there for sundials, fylo & ilmfo as well, but you have to move on... Comparing every album they put out to Goddamnit is stupid & not all die hards are as stubborn & ignorant as you so don't worry about us, we'll be fine!!!

Anonymous (May 19, 2003)

no reviewer, you are wrong, in every possible way, with every possible word, you are very very wrong... the review was on it's way to the shitter from the get go, but most definitely hit rock bottom when you compared "Mr. Chainsaw" to "Clavicle." For someone who claims to enjoy Goddamnit so much, based on that comment I am 100% positive that not only do you not own it, you have never even listened to it. I believe it is Alk3 who is relieved that you did not get the tattoo. Do us all a favor and "Van Goh both your ears"

Anonymous (May 10, 2003)

This is one hell of an EP. Too bad it's a full length.

What the hell are you talking about? That doesn't even make sense.

Ak3atarisriot (May 8, 2003)

Hey if you eve rwanna get rid of those vinyls dude ill buy em just let me know

Anonymous (February 10, 2003)

Blink is a good band... Alk3 opened for them... wow ALk3 is better then any band they will open for but i mean blink has talent and i dont care what the other people say.
This CD rocks but MAybe ill Catch fire leaves every CD put out EVER in the dust and uh yeah Im dying tomorrow isnt the best dan song... no way look at MAybe ill Catch fir or SHe took him to the lake Hell even Message from Kathleene or Enjoy Day this guy sucks thats all

Anonymous (February 10, 2003)

Alkaline Trio is the definition of what punk rock stands for they are 10 pounds of talent in a five pound bag (Metaphor meaning that this band brings so much great into the punk rock INDY scene that theres just not room for the talent in the world) they are my fav band always will be too no one compares... no one ever will

Anonymous (January 12, 2003)

Don't be so closed-minded. Bands are allowed to change, and change isn't always bad. This album is fantastic.

Ben452003 (December 26, 2002)

I think this guy is an utter moron... he needs to take a deep breath and listento the album more than once... hes a fucking idiot im sorry to say. But when you say that private eye is boring and mister chainsaw is a rip off of clavicle i get pissed. he probably didnt even listen to the lyrics... i mean i think that htius album is one of the best they made... there is so much power in it... stupid kid the most popular song according to this shitter is the best track... not even close songs like take lots with alcohol and private eye own hat track he needs to get his head outta his ass and stop listening to At the Drive in

Peace, Ben

emptycauses (August 16, 2002)

if i had to choose a review that i didnt write but showed my EXACT, word for word feelings, this review would be it, great review

Anonymous (August 14, 2002)

This was the best record of 2001!!! I can't say that anyone in the industry did anything better! Brilliant!!!

Anonymous (June 14, 2002)

Damn dude, what the fuck is up with you and your dumbass concept that songs have to be under three minutes to be worth listening to. You know what ADD is? Maybe you should look into, because some of us don't really give a shit about song length. Do all of us a favor and start looking at more important elements within the music rather than how mediocre it is, or is becoming. You're a typical faggot.

Anonymous (June 6, 2002)

i disagree. i believe this is their strongest album, sure its poppier than their older material overall,but fuck, for me that is a good move as poppunk is my favorite style of punk. the lyrics are better than ever, the hooks melt in your mouth w/ a catchy taste, this album begs to be sung along too, more than anything previous except for 'my friend peter', still my fav. trio song. their are some week points, i'm not much for "another innocent girl"and that other song towards the end..10 or 11, but few albums don't.the only other complaint is that their riffs often sound similar and redundant, but i think their catchyness and lyrics are their strong point anyway, not the music.

Anonymous (February 7, 2002)

The reviewer makes some valid points, but I can't help but disagree with the intense animosity conveyed towards this album. It is different than past albums, but wouldn't it be boring if bands just stayed the same and produced the same old music? Overall, I quite enjoy listening to this record.

Anonymous (January 9, 2002)

the reviewer was obviously expecting and wanting an old alkaline trio album with different songs and doesnt give it a chance for what it is, punk rock thats expansive and more mature than anything to date. to each his own, but this album is fantastic.

Anonymous (December 22, 2001)

This is the best Alkaline Trio cd.

Anonymous (December 20, 2001)

sorry man, i think this record is beyond amazing. i love it. alk3 are one of the scene's greatest fucking bands and i have to diasgree with you.
sure, this album may not be the bands best album, but A3's worst album is better than most bands best...
and i have no friends.

Anonymous (December 13, 2001)

This Album is amazing!! I've got everything they ever put out, seen them twice and has and will always support them, no matter what. Anyone who thinks other wise sucks. Their lyrics are moving and the shows rock. Even though the blink girls are coming to the shows, they still know how to put on a show. Dan does sing very well on "dying Tomarrow", I will give you that, but you need to REALLY listen to the rest of the cd.

degenerate (November 23, 2001)

after listening to this cd for 2 days straight i have to say it rocks. must admit that 'another innocent girl' is the worst song on the cd. my favorite tracks seem 2 b songs that arent included on ure u.s. versions- 'standard break' & 'hell yes', oh well nevermind

glumble (November 11, 2001)

I'm going to have to say that Maybe I'll Catch Fire was their worst album to date. This album is great. I like every song on it, and I've listened to it many times. Just because it is no "I Lied My Face Off," doesn't mean it's not any good.

Anonymous (November 4, 2001)

This was my first taste of the trio, and man it's good. Private Eye, Stupid Kid, Steamer trunk, Armageddon and Bloodied Up are all bad ass. This band will hit it big soon. They even opened for Blink and Ataris ( what an awesome show that would be)!

booker_pee (September 23, 2001)

Good review scott. I'd have to say though, that i personally dislike "I'm Dying Tomorrow" more than any other song on this record. I also think "Crawl" is one of their better songs, but hey, i also think "Private Eye" is quite catchy.

Anonymous (July 23, 2001)

This album is incredible. Goddammit is also incredible. They both have different sounds while still managing to be nothing short of amazing music. And the fact that they can make albums with a slightly different sound that both rock balls shows how awesome they really are.

Anonymous (May 3, 2001)

The person who wrote this in all fairness has no idea what they are talking about. I have liked the alkaline trio ever since "I lied my face off" came out which stands to reason that although I haven't liked them since the beginning of their career, I have liked them before the huge hype about this band had begun. Anyway, as The trio being my favorite band I am bewildered how someone can write a review that is THAT inaccurate. Now I am taking in to account that a review is nothing more than an opinion but I feel there is more personal politics involved in your reveiw than actual fact. So you have liked them since "Goddammit" came out. That certainly doesnt make it the best album just because it was their first. Because I hate to break it to you, that is NOT their best stuff. It is good and has some of their best, but as an overall album it is just pop-punk. And if you KNEW ANYTHING you couldn't possibly say that "Im dying tommarow" is the best song dan ever wrote. Not only is it the worst song on this album but it's better than "I lied my face off"? Or any song he sings on "Maybe I'll catch fire"? Just because they are now playing bigger venues and are playing with Blink 182 (gasp!) doesn't mean you have to be too above this new album. Is this their best? No. But a review should be based on the music, and your review was not. Want to agrue? XXwestonXX@aol.com
matt

Anonymous (March 30, 2001)

this cd rocks