Alkaline Trio - 'Hell Yes' (Vagrant) Released 22/01/07

It may only be a rarities and B-sides album that Alkaline Trio are releasing, but their new offering ‘Hell Yes’ feels like an amalgamation of all their best work.  It has the urgency of ‘Private Eye’ and the depressing fervour of ‘We’ve Had Enough’.  They remain the kings of the darker side of pop-punk and are one of the few bands who can combine catchiness with downright suicidal lyrics.  This cut feels like it has come straight from the early portion of their career around the LP’s ‘Goddamnit’ and ‘From Here to Infirmary’ and thus may not reflect the new maturity their music exhibits.  It is however a slice of irresistible pop-punk with a kick ass chorus and bodes well for the upcoming ‘Remains’ LP.