Live Review: Alkaline Trio - O2 Institute, Birmingham
31st July 2024
Support: Lowlives
Words: Matt Noble
Photos: Tim Finch
On a warm night in Digbeth, Birmingham, Alkaline Trio are in town - but first, we'll be warmed up by Lowlives, who make a bombastic, impressive start to the evening. They're full to the brim with catchy punk rock melodies that make them a clever choice as tour support for Alkaline Trio. Rather than being sugary and over polished, though, there's a grittiness, grunginess and honesty to the set that makes for an interesting listen.
Their lead singer has a hell of a vocal range, comfortable going soft, high, low, gritty, melodic or screamed, able to switch between styles at the drop of a hat - while interplaying nicely with his bandmates that join on backing vocals. The emo-inspired lead guitar layers add interest, and tracks such as 'Hey You' and new single 'Loser' see plenty of energy fed back to the band from the crowd. They've surely and deservedly gained a good number of new fans this tour.
Tonight, though, is Alkaline Trio's, who deliver as a tight, professional and polished live unit, looking the part all wearing shirts and ties. The room feels ten times more full before the first chorus of cleverly named opener 'Hot For Preacher' rolls around, and the band whip up the whole room into an all-singing, all-moving party of vintage pop punk anthems.
Tonight is about playing banger after banger, and they don't waste too much time with stage banter or over-showmanship, putting the music to the forefront, performed with energy and integrity. Atom Willard has only been on the Alkaline Trio drum stool for just over a year (bar a stint of touring with them over 20 years ago) yet delivers an assured set that doesn't miss a beat, allowing Matt's spiky, clever guitar lines and Dan's thunderous bass to shine as brightly as ever.
The new material from this year's 'Blood, Hair and Eyeballs' certainly does well, with plenty singing to the big choruses and giving positive reactions. But it's the classic 'elder emo' hits that go huge, seeing the whole room turn into a wave of ecstatic singing, jumping and fist pumping.
The upbeat 'Mr Chainsaw' gets a lot of movement before the likes of 'Stupid Kid' and 'Time to Waste' raise the bar towards the end. After a quick breather Alkaline Trio end the night with the iconic 'Radio', allowing one last release of energy before the night comes to an end. Showing no sign of fatigue on the last night of their UK run, they are a class act.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
