Now seemingly stable on Epic, the Trio attempts to
streamline its sound after the heavily produced Crimson, which arguably sounded
more like a major-label album. Not that the new Agony & Irony is much different; the guitars are a little
punchier, and the flourishes (keys, sequenced drums, strings) seem fewer. But
the fundamental precepts remain as entrenched as ever: huge, heavily melodic
punk guitars; a tight, aggressive rhythm section; lots of tag-team vocal melodies
from guitarist Matt Skiba and bassist Dan Andriano. The parts come together
most powerfully in the soaring choruses, another Trio fundamental. (See "Over
And Out.")
As usual, the Trio delivers plenty of highlights:
"Into The Night," "Do You Wanna Know?", "Calling All Skeletons" (which cops a
riff from "Bunkhouse" by The Murder City Devils, who probably copped it from
someone else). Once again, the Trio lives up to expectations—but it's
easy to wonder how much longer that will cut it.
