Alkaline Trio

Oh, woe is Alkaline Trio. Major-label record deals. Headlining tours. Legions of devoted fans. Fawning groupies. Angst coming out the wazoo. But naturally, the band is less concerned with moping than with tearing up a stage with its dark-edged pop-punk. Think more AFI and less Sum 41. In the wake of the band’s latest, Good Mourning, Alkaline Trio is throwing itself another peppy pity party, and we’re all invited. Despite all its jaded lyrics, dark melodies, broken hearts and wistful melancholy, the band has fun wallowing in its misery. Then again, there’s plenty of room for fun when you have a major-label record deal, headlining tours, fans and groupies. Oh, and the angst.