After two years, Alkaline Trio returned to the UK for a string of shows, the first of which is an added date at the O2 Forum in London due to popular demand. Growing up, these guys were one of my favourite bands and ultimately had a big part in shaping my music taste, so needless to say, I was quite looking forward to this one.
Alkaline Trio – Slomosa
O2 Forum Kentish Town – 16 July 2024
Words And Photography: Lawrence Potter
After about a half-hour turnaround after support band Slomosa, the lights go out to a loud eruption inside the forum, and on walk our main act of the night, Alkaline Trio.
There is no messing around as the Trio starts off with Hot for Preacher and then straight into We’ve Had Enough. The band is absolutely on point tonight.
With the release of the band’s tenth studio album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, the Trio are still delivering high-quality bangers and, as expected, threw a few off the new album into the set.
This was my first time hearing them, but they fit perfectly amongst the rest of their set. Even though they are pushing forty now, like a lot of their fans, they do a fantastic job of keeping the same energy as if they were touring the Goddammit album.
There was something for all fans at this show, no matter when you were introduced to the band. To name a few, Mercy Me, Armageddon, Stupid Kid, Private Eye and ending on the classic Radio to cap off a great night.
It is always good to see the pop-punk scene that thrived in the late 90s and 2000s still has a place in today’s society. Alkaline Trio put on an engaging performance with heart-warming moments between the members, showing that this band is genuinely a tight-knit unit on and off the stage.
Slomosa
Opening the night was Slomosa from Norway. The band describe their sound as ‘desert rock from a cold country’, and this couldn’t be more true.
Usually, you’d think of the hotter parts of the United States when you think of stoner rock, but Slomosa has broken the stereotype.
The band are certainly at home in smaller venues, but their vibe and sound translate extremely well to bigger venues, too. Slomosa has a quirky, almost awkward charm about them, as they let their music do the talking for them on stage.
Overall, a nice way to start off the night. Something maybe unexpected at a pop punk show but certainly not out of place.
