alkaline trio 2019
[Photo via Epitaph Records]

Alkaline Trio surprise drop three-song collection ‘E.P.’

Earlier this month, Alkaline Trio teased new music would be released the day before they kicked off their tour with Bad Religion. With most events and tours being canceled and postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, the two bands were no exception.

With fans wondering if Alkaline Trio would still be releasing that new music despite the tour’s postponement, that answer is finally here as they surprise dropped an EP.

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Featuring “Minds Like Minefields,” “Radio Violence” and “Smokestack,” the three-song collection simply titled E.P. hit streaming services at midnight. Matt Skiba shared the artwork to Instagram, explaining it features a photo he took of his neighbor’s house.

“That was fast!!… I was told Thursday was the earliest we could get it out,” Skiba writes. “Thanks Russ! I took that photo and drew the shit. It’s my neighbors house across the street that changes colors. I hope ch’all dig it! Songs too. ? xoxo ♥️@alkaline_trio …it IS Thursday. Wow. As you were. #nothing…”

Marking their first new music since 2018’s Is This Thing Cursed? and returning to work with producer Cameron Webb, Skiba explained that it was important to still release the EP given the current state of the world and how music helps many of us cope.

“With the tour postponed and the current state of the world, we feel and hope that some new music will help people transcend the uncertainty and possible fear they might be feeling, if even for a few minutes,” Skiba says in a statement. “Music has always had a way of helping us all cope with unpleasant times. We can only hope that ours can do the same for our fans on some level. We hope you enjoy the songs.”

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Dan Andriano echoed Skiba, by explaining the context of “Radio Violence” in particular.

“[It’s] a song about communication breakdowns,” he says. “It’s about the lies we tell ourselves and others and it’s about shutting out those closest to us when we need them most.”

While the EP is available to stream now, the band have also launched a limited edition 7-inch preorder featuring “Minds Like Minefields” and “Radio Violence.” They’ll be limited to 1000 blue variants in the U.S. and 500 red variants in Europe.

Read more: Do you remember the lyrics to “Radio” by Alkaline Trio?

Alkaline Trio’s rescheduled dates with Bad Religion are still pending, but all originally purchased tickets will be honored. E.P. is available to stream now here or below with preorders here.

What do you think of Alkaline Trio’s E.P.? Let us know in the comments below.

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