Broken Sound
06/08/06, 12:32 PM
AFI - Decemberunderground
Release Date: June 06, 2006
Record Label: Interscope
From hardcore to horror punk, AFI has displayed myriad sounds derived of innumerable influences. With their release of decemberunderground on 6/6/06, AFI once again demonstrate their versatility and adaptability. The album's opening track, Prelude 12/21, is a far cry from the cultish introductions of Black Sails in the Sunset and Sing the Sorrow. With a catchy hook and beats that could be echoing in the club, Prelude 12/21 brings to mind the techno elements that became more prevalent to the AFI sound on Sing the Sorrow. The record is less punk-oriented than anything AFI has produced in the past, but their roots are still evident in tracks like Affliction and even Kill Caustic. The album as a whole continues to follow the dance-oriented path laid out by Sing the Sorrow, occasionally even reminiscent of 80's dance grooves in tracks like Love Like Winter and The Missing Frame. The first single, Miss Murder, combines a showcase of talent with material catchy enough to grab and hold on to the listener. While the band's music has obviously continued to evolve, little has been lost in the change. The group's origins are never more obvious than in the stylings of vocalist Davey Havok; even the first track plays host to his seemingly superhuman talents. The extraordinary musicianship of guitarist Jade Puget, bassist Hunter Burgan, and drummer Adam Carson is apparent throughout the CD. As a whole, decemberunderground offers long-awaited material from AFI without sacrificing style. Long-term fans will be able to appreciate the new material and it's recollections of the past. The album offers an irresistible catchiness which is sure to addict new listeners without the down side of stereotypical pop. Decemberunderground adds new dimension to AFI's sound while drawing from the past, resulting in an album with plenty to offer all of AFI's listeners.
Release Date: June 06, 2006
Record Label: Interscope
From hardcore to horror punk, AFI has displayed myriad sounds derived of innumerable influences. With their release of decemberunderground on 6/6/06, AFI once again demonstrate their versatility and adaptability. The album's opening track, Prelude 12/21, is a far cry from the cultish introductions of Black Sails in the Sunset and Sing the Sorrow. With a catchy hook and beats that could be echoing in the club, Prelude 12/21 brings to mind the techno elements that became more prevalent to the AFI sound on Sing the Sorrow. The record is less punk-oriented than anything AFI has produced in the past, but their roots are still evident in tracks like Affliction and even Kill Caustic. The album as a whole continues to follow the dance-oriented path laid out by Sing the Sorrow, occasionally even reminiscent of 80's dance grooves in tracks like Love Like Winter and The Missing Frame. The first single, Miss Murder, combines a showcase of talent with material catchy enough to grab and hold on to the listener. While the band's music has obviously continued to evolve, little has been lost in the change. The group's origins are never more obvious than in the stylings of vocalist Davey Havok; even the first track plays host to his seemingly superhuman talents. The extraordinary musicianship of guitarist Jade Puget, bassist Hunter Burgan, and drummer Adam Carson is apparent throughout the CD. As a whole, decemberunderground offers long-awaited material from AFI without sacrificing style. Long-term fans will be able to appreciate the new material and it's recollections of the past. The album offers an irresistible catchiness which is sure to addict new listeners without the down side of stereotypical pop. Decemberunderground adds new dimension to AFI's sound while drawing from the past, resulting in an album with plenty to offer all of AFI's listeners.