Released in '99 on Asian Man, I Lied My Face Off was Alkaline Trio's fourth release, later re-released on the compilation Alkaline Trio. The band themselves formed in '96 in Chicago, and have been releasing music since then. They've always had a way with words, writing some of the greatest songs lyrically of anyone. Most of their songs pertain to heart-ache and sorrow, and this EP is no different.
Opening with "Goodbye Forever", it's pretty clear that the band knows how to write music. Aside from the great fills provided by drummer Glenn Porter, Dan's bass playing is some of the best he's ever done. Matt's voice in the chorus is so urgent and emotional; it's hard to not sing along. The band plows right on into track number two, "This Is Getting Over You". Driven by another one of Dan's bass lines, the lyrics are, again, fantastic. The spoken line of "this is getting over you" over and over during the bridge really helps this song stick in your mind. "Bleeder" is the poppiest song on the EP, with dual vocals and a more upbeat guitar tone. The singing is much more upbeat too; rather than shout the lyrics with urgency, the song has real singing. "I Lied My Face" is the most heart-wrenching song on the whole EP. The chorus alone could make sad kids cry. Mixed in with the very intense drumming, Matt's guitar work sounds just right.
There really is no downside to this EP. Every song is solid, whether it's the fast paced "Goodbye Forever" or the poppy "Bleeder", the band can play. Not only that, but the lyrics are some of the greatest lyrics written by a band. It's a great EP, but, the band has better songs. That being said, the EP is four solid, tear-jerking songs about lost love, sadness, and ways to cope.
Opening with "Goodbye Forever", it's pretty clear that the band knows how to write music. Aside from the great fills provided by drummer Glenn Porter, Dan's bass playing is some of the best he's ever done. Matt's voice in the chorus is so urgent and emotional; it's hard to not sing along. The band plows right on into track number two, "This Is Getting Over You". Driven by another one of Dan's bass lines, the lyrics are, again, fantastic. The spoken line of "this is getting over you" over and over during the bridge really helps this song stick in your mind. "Bleeder" is the poppiest song on the EP, with dual vocals and a more upbeat guitar tone. The singing is much more upbeat too; rather than shout the lyrics with urgency, the song has real singing. "I Lied My Face" is the most heart-wrenching song on the whole EP. The chorus alone could make sad kids cry. Mixed in with the very intense drumming, Matt's guitar work sounds just right.
There really is no downside to this EP. Every song is solid, whether it's the fast paced "Goodbye Forever" or the poppy "Bleeder", the band can play. Not only that, but the lyrics are some of the greatest lyrics written by a band. It's a great EP, but, the band has better songs. That being said, the EP is four solid, tear-jerking songs about lost love, sadness, and ways to cope.
8.5/10
The actual EP is out of print, however, for 10 bucks you can get the collection of early Alkaline Trio. Get it.
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