Broken Wing
Alkaline Trio · 2013
13 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock
Melodic punk-infused anthems blend heartfelt lyrics with driving rhythms, capturing a sense of both nostalgia and urgency.
Top tracks — play these first
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Balanced on a Shelf — Opening the EP, this track sets the tone with its catchy hooks and introspective lyrics about personal struggles, emblematic of the band's style.
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Broken Wing — The title track embodies themes of resilience and vulnerability, weaving together emotional storytelling with dynamic instrumentation.
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Pocket Knife — With its upbeat tempo and clever metaphors, this song captures the essence of youthful defiance while exploring deeper emotional layers.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong melodies and cohesive songwriting, though it doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a driving guitar riff that sets a brisk pace, which is maintained through the second track before slowing down in the third.
- Each song features layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses where melodies intertwine.
- The EP concludes with a more introspective tone in 'Sun Bursts', which contrasts with the energetic opening tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after hiatus, showcasing continued relevance and evolution in sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Broken Wing marked Alkaline Trio's return after a four-year hiatus following their 2009 album, This Addiction. The EP reflects the band's evolution while retaining their signature sound, indicating a moment of artistic introspection as they navigated changes in the music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Wonder Years· Brand New· Taking Back Sunday
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Balanced on a Shelf 4:06
- 2 Pocket Knife 2:43
- 3 Broken Wing 3:28
- 4 Sun Bursts 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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