Chicago cult rockers Alkaline Trio have released a new EP, titled…..well, E.P. Out digitally now, it’s also available on pre-order as a limited edition two song 7”. It features Minds Like Minefields on the A-side with “Radio Violence” on the flip, and will be limited to 1000 blue variant in the US and 500 red in Europe.
“With the tour postponed and the current state of the worked, we feel and hope that some new music will help people transcend the uncertainty and possible fear they might be feeling, if even for a few minutes,” says the bands Matt Skiba. “Mused has always had a way of helping us all cope with unpleasant times. We can only hope that ours can do the same for our fans on some level. We hope you enjoy the songs.”
The EP opens with Minds like Minefields is this typically muscular track, with the angst and tension that the band build up gloriously released in its chorus. Follow on ‘Radio Violence’ is much more immediate, searing pop-punk that pulsates throughout, sugared by these vocal harmonies and an immediately loveable melody, that picks you up, slings you on its back, and gallops off with.
Smokestack sounds like Green Day attempting to usurp Bob Dylan, (not the electric period either) the acoustic guitar pretty much providing the sole accompaniment, save for a splash of harmony, as it plays out on your emotions to a close.
