Alkaline Trio has been around since 1997, but it wasn't until 2001 that the band released its first major LP to warm reviews. One of the foremost bands on the Chicago punk scene for years, today Alkaline Trio is credited with the rise of emo pop and influencing a bunch of young bands with their trademark intensity. Maybe that's why the band's early albums continue to gain sales even long after the sound gelled with new personnel. Matt, Dan and Derek were all members of earlier punk bands in the city, but their sound took off when the shuffle ended and they were able to focus their energy on a new endeavor. The band's many releases have earned a steadily growing audience, fueled in part by their naked liberal stance and fearless approach to political causes. Today the core of Alkaline's fan base remains in the Midwest, but tours have brought the music across the country. Punk has always been an anti-establishment stance, and today that same anarchic passion manifests itself in message boards and online forums where fans can swap their favorite bootlegs. Alkaline Trio's sound has evolved considerably in the last decade, and avid collectors love to grab all the early stuff alongside new releases for a glimpse of the creative process at work. The Web is rife with great ways to find and increase your own stash of Alkaline clips and merchandise, so don't be afraid to dive in and correspond with regulars if you want to join the party today. | 
