The new Alkaline Trio is promising

Alkaline Trio are one of my all time favourite bands. They are also pretty much at the 'Bad Religion stage' of their career where they could probably give up or start making weird interpretations of what they think is pop music and we'd still have to give them the benefit of the doubt because they've earned the right to do whatever they want by now. I may get into my theory on how odd numbered albums are generally better (ie the first, third and fifth albums) some other time.

The last two albums weren't bad exactly, they just seemed to be mellowed out a little, which again, is understandable given the fact the guys are not carrying quite as much emotional baggage as they used to. They continue to write and put out music, which can be a double-edged sword for us fans, but thankfully the new single 'The Torture Doctor' is showing signs of a return to form.

• The opening riff and verse are strong. And if I'm gonna get over-analytical about it, I think the production in general is as good as it has been the last few albums, but the guitar tone is a little rawer and more like it used to be. We're talking minuscule differences in gain levels but hey, what can I say, I'm white and nerdy.
• Dat misfits inspired pre-chorus. Nothing new for them of course but still, it's nice.
• I cringed when I heard the 'hey! ho!' It's 2013 guys, what are you doing? On the other hand I will admit it is a solid hook and one that will draw the peoples in.

There is also another song, 'I Wanna Be A Warhol'.

• The intro has got a great energy that diminishes as the song goes on. 
• Verse is good but the chorus lacks any of the bite the band used to have. 
• I'm hoping it's a slow burner, as was Mercy Me back on Crimson. 
• For some reason it reminds me of modern blink-182 in the verse now that I listen to it again. 
• Definitely will be a popular song over time I think.