Rise Against and Alkaline Trio are celebrating their longstanding Chicago punk connection by swapping songs on a new split single.
Rise Against takes on Alkaline Trio’s “Private Eye,” originally released on the latter band’s 2001 album From Here to Infirmary, while Alkaline Trio covers Rise Against’s “Re-Education (Through Labor),” from the 2008 album Appeal to Reason. Both tracks are available digitally, with a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl release also planned.
The exchange arrives shortly before the bands begin a joint U.S. tour, adding another chapter to a relationship that dates to their early days in Chicago’s punk scene. Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba described the collaboration as a full-circle moment, saying the groups have known and supported each other since their early performances at Chicago’s Fireside Bowl. “It’s so much fun and such an honor to be swapping cover tunes with a band we’ve known personally and loved since we both formed and came up from our shows at the Fireside Bowl in Chicago.”
Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath similarly pointed to the groups’ shared history, saying their connection predates the formation of both bands. “The connection between Alkaline Trio and Rise Against actually pre-dates both bands’ inceptions, so we’ve all been there for both the awkward first steps and the flashes of promise.” McIlrath added that Rise Against enjoyed recording “Private Eye.”
The limited 7-inch edition is a two-song release, with Rise Against’s “Private Eye” on Side A and Alkaline Trio’s “Re-Education (Through Labor)” on Side B. The physical release is currently listed for Jan. 29, 2027.
Stream the tracks: HERE.
Preorder the vinyl: HERE.
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