Alkaline Trio at SOMA in San Diego, CA

Alkaline Trio kicked off their Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs Tour in Southern California with support from Drug Church and Worriers.

For the first time in six years, Alkaline Trio has released new music, the new album titled Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs. It’s the first new full-length album since Matt Skiba left Blink-182. On the release date, Alkaline Trio rolled into San Diego with LA’s (by way of Brooklyn, NY) Worriers and post-hardcore heroes Drug Church in tow. 

The legendary SOMA venue in San Diego pulsated with raw punk energy on the cool evening as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of punk rock legends, Alkaline Trio. The inside of the converted movie theater began to heat up to its usual hot and steamy club atmosphere. Two equally compelling performances by Worriers and Drug Church got the fans ready for what was to come. The night promised to be a memorable journey through the realms of punk rock.

Kicking things off, Worriers set a high bar with their dynamic set. Led by the charismatic Lauren Denitzio, the band delivered a poignant blend of introspective lyrics and powerful melodies that captured the attention of those coming to the show early. The Worriers’ set showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly intertwine personal narratives with anthemic choruses, captivating listeners from start to finish.

Following Worriers’ fantastic performance, Drug Church took to the stage. They wasted no time in unleashing their own brand of unapologetically abrasive post-hardcore sound upon the crowd. With frenetic energy and blistering guitar riffs, the band tore through tracks like “Grubby” and “Avoidarama,” leaving a trail of adrenaline-fueled excitement in their wake. Frontman Patrick Kindlon’s commanding stage presence and biting lyricism further solidified Drug Church’s position as one of punk rock’s most compelling acts.

As the too short Drug Church set ended and anticipation reached its peak, Alkaline Trio emerged to a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Launching into their set with the ferocious intensity that has become synonymous with their name, the trio wasted no time in reminding everyone why they’re considered titans of the genre. From the haunting melodies of “Mercy Me” to the anthemic chorus of “Radio,” each song was delivered with a visceral passion that left an indelible mark on the audience.

Matt Skiba’s unmistakable vocals soared over Dan Andriano’s driving basslines and hometown hero Atom Willard’s wild and thunderous drumming, creating a sonic landscape that was as captivating as it was cathartic. Tracks from their extensive catalog, including fan favorites like “Radio” and “Mercy Me,” were met with an outpouring of enthusiasm from the crowd who sang along with fervent devotion to every song in the set.

However, it was during moments of stripped-down intimacy, such as the heartfelt rendition of “F**k you Aurora,” that Alkaline Trio truly connected with their audience on a profound level. As the final chords and cymbal crashes reverberated throughout the venue, there was a palpable sense of unity and camaraderie among fans. A testament to the enduring power of punk rock to bring people together.

The Alkaline Trio concert at SOMA was nothing short of spectacular. With electrifying performances from Worriers and Drug Church setting the stage, and Alkaline Trio delivering a masterclass in punk rock prowess, it was a night that will be remembered fondly by all who were fortunate enough to see the return of the Alkaline Trio performing new music and fan favorites from there entire catalog.

ALKALINE TRIO
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DRUG CHURCH
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WORRIERS
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SOMA
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About George Ortiz 76 Articles
George is Southern California and Big Sky, Montana-based photographer. He grew up in Los Angeles and began shooting professionally in the mid 80s. His words and photos have appeared in local & national publications.