Is This Thing Cursed?
by Alkaline Trio
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Aug 31, 2018
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 4, 2018
    80
    You can argue that it doesn’t break new musical ground, and you can keep your noses upturned if you like, but with consummate poise Alkaline Trio have cemented their reputation as this genre’s premier songwriters. It’s not too late to get a heart-skull tattoo.
  2. Kerrang!
    Aug 30, 2018
    80
    An album peppered with strong and vibrant songs. [1 Sep 2018, p.53]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Clash Music
    Aug 30, 2018
    80
    Instantly familiar while still feeling fresh; nostalgic while clearly the product of a band who’ve carved a niche rather than rest on their laurels, Is This Thing Cursed? is the album long-term fans have been clamouring for since Skiba shaved his hair.
  5. Exclaim
    Aug 30, 2018
    80
    Fans just finding Alkaline Trio, perhaps via Blink-182 fandom, will undoubtedly enjoy this album for its prevalent, socially conscious lyrics, delivered like a paintball to an already bruised arm with the band's signature passion. Longtime devotees, meanwhile, will appreciate the way Is This Thing Cursed? calls back to earlier Alkaline Trio albums, and its mix of both nostalgia and originality.
  6. AllMusic
    Aug 30, 2018
    70
    Like contemporaries AFI and Rise Against, age and experience have smoothed out the band's delivery (Skiba's stint with blink-182 could also be a contributing factor), resulting in less danger and gloom. However, Cursed is ultimately an enjoyable ride, packed with rousing anthems.
  7. PopMatters
    Sep 6, 2018
    60
    While Is This Thing Cursed? won't win over any more acolytes, or incite anything close to a Billboard pop-punk resurgence, Alkaline Trio diehards will find themselves, by turns, nostalgic for what came before and thrilled by what they hear now.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Ripper36
    Mar 27, 2022
    10
    The best Alkaline Trio Album and thats saying alot. I loved their music since 2000 and i love evrything they put out. But this album killsThe best Alkaline Trio Album and thats saying alot. I loved their music since 2000 and i love evrything they put out. But this album kills it. Best songs i suggest listening too are Demon& Divison, I cant Believe and Heart Attacks. Its mixes Goddamnit with Maybe i"ll catch fire with a touch of This Addiction. Wonderful Album.… Full Review »
  2. meninjamatt
    Sep 15, 2018
    8
    Polished sound like This Addiction but more melodic like Crimson. This is good for me because those are my favorite albums by Alkaline Trio.Polished sound like This Addiction but more melodic like Crimson. This is good for me because those are my favorite albums by Alkaline Trio. Overall there is no track I dislike, but only one stand out track and that is Demon and Division.… Full Review »
  3. Retrogade
    Sep 2, 2018
    8
    Overall a brilliant album, love pretty much every track. A bit different from their other albums but still feels like an Alkaline Trio album,Overall a brilliant album, love pretty much every track. A bit different from their other albums but still feels like an Alkaline Trio album, it's great. Give it a listen if you are thinking about it.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »