JESS BECK | Go Venue Magazine
Six years is a long time to wait for new music, but then again, when one of your core members is out gallivanting with the likes of Blink-182…six years doesn’t really feel like it’s that long. Us fans are forgiving, especially when they crank out the bangers we all know and love. But we’ll get to that in a moment.
It was a chilly Monday on 03.18.2024 as Alkaline Trio, supported by Drug Church and Worriers, took to the stage at The Fillmore in Minneapolis. Watching the crowd line up in an array of battle vests and spikey hair meant that we were in for a good time. Some fans in the front row even had Alkaline Trio tattoos, showing what a dedicated cult following this act has gained over the years.
Worriers kicked the night off, and I’ll be honest, they were much better than I was expecting! Lauren Denitzio, the lead vocalist, has a raw ability to capture your attention with what they have to say. I wish the first time I saw them was at a more DIY venue than one so extravagant as The Fillmore, but often times these things have less to do with the actual setting and more about the message. Forming in 2011, they are a tight-knit group who writes songs about queer identity, love and loss, and politics, the perfect blend for when you’re getting coffee or dancing the night away at a punk show.
After Worriers’ electrifying performance, Drug Church seized the stage with unwavering confidence. Without hesitation, they introduced their unmistakably raw post-hardcore sound to the audience. Fueled by intense energy and scorching guitar riffs, the band powered through hits such as “Grubby” and “Avoidarama,” igniting a frenzy of excitement among the crowd. Frontman Patrick Kindlon’s authoritative presence and incisive lyrics only reinforced Drug Church’s standing as a powerhouse in the punk rock scene. Amen.
As the all-too-brief set from Drug Church concluded and excitement reached its zenith, Alkaline Trio emerged to a deafening roar of applause from the audience. Diving headfirst into their performance with the trademark ferocity that defines their reputation, the trio wasted no time in reaffirming their status as giants of the genre. From the chilling melodies of “Mercy Me” to the anthemic refrains of “Radio,” each track was delivered with a raw intensity that etched itself into the hearts of the crowd.
Matt Skiba’s unmistakable vocals soared above Dan Andriano’s pulsating basslines and the dynamic drumming of hometown hero Atom Willard, crafting a sonic landscape that captivated and cathartically moved the audience. Selections from their extensive repertoire, including crowd favorites like “Hot For Preacher” and “Mr. Chainsaw,” elicited an eruption of enthusiasm from the audience, who sang along with unwavering dedication to every song in the set.
Yet, it was during moments of stripped-down vulnerability, such as the poignant rendition of “F**k You Aurora,” that Alkaline Trio truly connected with their audience on a profound level. As the final chords rang out and the cymbals crashed, a palpable sense of unity and camaraderie enveloped the fans, a testament to the enduring ability of punk rock to unite and uplift.
As always, a HUGE thank you to The Fillmore staff for ensuring that we were all safe and had a great time. From the bartenders to security, everyone played a role in making sure the crowd experienced a great show, and those efforts aren’t lost on us! Keep wearing deodorant to your concerts, keep supporting these incredible venues, and we’ll see ya at the next show!
Alkaline Trio
Drug Church
Worriers
All images © Jess Beck
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