I know that emo is not exclusive to the Midwest, but why then did so many of the best bands from this genre come from the nation’s heartland?
I first encountered the music of Alkaline Trio in early 1997 at the Channing Murray in Urbana, IL. Now I know that most of you are saying, “They ain’t no emo band,” but let me assure you that at one point they almost were.
Back in the day Alkaline Trio was an amazing band. They weren’t the goth rockers they are today. Instead they were just a bunch of punks from Chicago fueled by alcohol and broken hearts. Comprised of Matt Skiba (ex-Jerkwater), Glenn Porter (ex-88 Fingers Louie), and Rob Doran who was soon replaced by Dan Andriano (ex-Slapstick, Tuesday), the band seemed poised form day one to take over the Chicago punk scene. Glenn was later replaced by Mike Felumlee (ex-Smoking Popes) who was replaced by Derek Grant (ex-Suicide Machines).
The band has a bunch of EP’s, 7” records, and albums with most of the early ones being released by Asian Man Records while their most recent stuff has been put out by Vagrant Records. IMHO, none of their releases can compare with their original 4-song tape and their first EP for Asian Man, For Your Lungs Only. I also think that (with the exception of possibly their latest record) each successive album they have released has been weaker than the one before. Now it might just be the old-jaded-longing-for-the-good-old-days-punk-rocker in me saying that, but it’s true. I also think that Glenn was (hands down) the best drummer they have had and that their music hasn’t been nearly as good since his departure.
Amy and I are going to see the Trio next week at the UIC Pavillion (they are Amy’s favorite band) and I’m hoping (doubtful) that they play some older material. Even if they do I doubt that the show will as good as the ones we saw years ago.
They may not sound anything like an emo band today but there is something very emo about listening to Skiba sing, “I don’t deserve this.”
God’s Reflex was a great (although little-known) band from the Rockford/DeKalb, Illinois area. They (sadly) put out only a handful of 7” EP’s and two full-lengths but sometimes quality is more important than quantity. Their CD’s came out on Johann’s Face Records but all their vinyl was released in by Rebound Records/Arms Reach Recordings. They played raw emo from Chicago that combined a healthy dose of pop melodies with punk rock snottiness. Unfortunately Gods Reflex broke up years ago but some members are now playing in The Braves.
MP3 | Alkaline Trio – 97 Marc’s A Dick And Gar’s A Drunk
MP3 | God’s Reflex – The Summer In Between A Brief Lesson In Affection
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Agreed on the ALK3 thoughts. Remember when they wore make-up on the back of Goddamnit! as a joke? Those were some good days (maybe). You can’t go wrong with their Asian Man stuff.
Wow…I haven’t heard mention of God’s Reflex in a very long time. Thanks for that. Good pull.
When did they quit ending each set with 97? That song used to be a given at every Trio show.
I’ve suddenly been whisked back to life in TVD. When will we see a Junk posting?
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i miss gods reflex. i really dug that band. nice peeps, too.
The one time I saw ALK3, was a preview of a new album a couple years ago. I liked their older stuff, but that was pretty much the end of it for me.
Jacob – They were too good just to forget.
Andy – TVD the good old days… Junk is dead and will never be resurrected.
Kurt – Not sure, but I haven’t heard that song in awhile. They look like clowns with all that makeup now. Goth clowns.