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All I hear people talk about when they talk about BSITS, they are saying how amazing the album is. I am doing this review in support of this album, and what it did for the group. This album I believe affected AFI's music more than any album. After years of hardcore punk, AFI descends into a more dark realm than anytime before.
Track 1 : Strength Through Wounding
Rating 4/5
This is a classic of AFI fans. You can hear them crying the lyrics to this short intro before every AFI concert. Track 2 : Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Rating 4/5
I don't know what the title means, but it sounds good. So does the song itself. Mixing Punk and the Darkness they add implented into the music, this is when I fell in love with the band truly.
Track 3 : Exsanguination
Rating 4/5
This starts off a slow bass line, and eventually grows into another dark song, with a definitive chorus.
Track 4 : Malleus Maleficarum
Rating 5/5
Jade's first song written as a member of AFI. And it was a **** good one too. With one of the most touching AFI lyrics I have heard in the beginning. It all starts with the drums hitting on the cymbals, with Jade's held out riff. The chorus hooks one almost immediately. One of the best songs on the CD definetely.
Track 5 : Narrative of Soul Against Soul
Rating 5/5
Fast Paced, Hard Headed, Gothic, and Awsome. Just a few things that describe what I just call "SoulSoul".
Track 6 : Clove Smoke Catharsis
Rating 3.5/5
Unlike most songs, this starts slow and does so even into the chorus. This is probably the darkest tune on Black Sails, but it showed for the first time, they can write slow songs too. They proved that with a few songs on the CD.
Track 7 : The Prayer Position
Rating 4/5
This song is a lot like songs from their first three albums, except the chorus. Jade has a guitar that sounds like he wants to shoot someone. In a good way.
Track 8 : No Poetic Device
Rating 4/5
Another older sounding song, but again it still is different...bass solo leading to the final chorus was amazing. The vocals in the chorus are also really catchy and refined.
Track 9 : Weathered Tome
Rating 3.5/5
I like the chorus in this song. It's just a moderately sped battle cry, and then it gets fast again. Unfortunately, the song lacks more than just a few riffs.
Track 10 : The Last Kiss
Rating 4/5
Makes you want to jump into a moshpit. Period. Best chorus on the CD. Fast paced.
Track 11 : At A Glance
Rating 3.5/5
Fast, but it lacks an AFI touch that makes songs so very special. If you like fast, you will like it. And then it gets slow for a while, which makes getting back into the fast mode a bit more fun. But...there is no fast part after that. kind of a letdown.
Track 12 : God Called in Sick Today
Rating 5/5
Best song on the CD. Best song name on the CD. AFI still plays this as one of their last songs at their live shows. That should tell you how good it is. It is quite slow, but it is a classic and is greatly appreciated as a top 5 AFI song of all time.
Another 12 minute song...that means extra track!
Track 12 1/2 : Midnight Sun
Rating 4/5
Not a bad extra hidden track, has a hooking chorus, with some cool guitars. The verses are spoken, which makes it a tad boring, but despite that, it's a cool extra melody for the fans.
AFI's first three albums were punk/hardcore. The fans were suprised to see the direction AFI chose to go in. Some jumped ship, while some heroicly braved the storm. Most of us still stand tall, and proud as AFI fans.
"Through Our Bleeding, We Are One."
Cheers, Drewman
Track 1 : Strength Through Wounding
Rating 4/5
This is a classic of AFI fans. You can hear them crying the lyrics to this short intro before every AFI concert. Track 2 : Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Rating 4/5
I don't know what the title means, but it sounds good. So does the song itself. Mixing Punk and the Darkness they add implented into the music, this is when I fell in love with the band truly.
Track 3 : Exsanguination
Rating 4/5
This starts off a slow bass line, and eventually grows into another dark song, with a definitive chorus.
Track 4 : Malleus Maleficarum
Rating 5/5
Jade's first song written as a member of AFI. And it was a **** good one too. With one of the most touching AFI lyrics I have heard in the beginning. It all starts with the drums hitting on the cymbals, with Jade's held out riff. The chorus hooks one almost immediately. One of the best songs on the CD definetely.
Track 5 : Narrative of Soul Against Soul
Rating 5/5
Fast Paced, Hard Headed, Gothic, and Awsome. Just a few things that describe what I just call "SoulSoul".
Track 6 : Clove Smoke Catharsis
Rating 3.5/5
Unlike most songs, this starts slow and does so even into the chorus. This is probably the darkest tune on Black Sails, but it showed for the first time, they can write slow songs too. They proved that with a few songs on the CD.
Track 7 : The Prayer Position
Rating 4/5
This song is a lot like songs from their first three albums, except the chorus. Jade has a guitar that sounds like he wants to shoot someone. In a good way.
Track 8 : No Poetic Device
Rating 4/5
Another older sounding song, but again it still is different...bass solo leading to the final chorus was amazing. The vocals in the chorus are also really catchy and refined.
Track 9 : Weathered Tome
Rating 3.5/5
I like the chorus in this song. It's just a moderately sped battle cry, and then it gets fast again. Unfortunately, the song lacks more than just a few riffs.
Track 10 : The Last Kiss
Rating 4/5
Makes you want to jump into a moshpit. Period. Best chorus on the CD. Fast paced.
Track 11 : At A Glance
Rating 3.5/5
Fast, but it lacks an AFI touch that makes songs so very special. If you like fast, you will like it. And then it gets slow for a while, which makes getting back into the fast mode a bit more fun. But...there is no fast part after that. kind of a letdown.
Track 12 : God Called in Sick Today
Rating 5/5
Best song on the CD. Best song name on the CD. AFI still plays this as one of their last songs at their live shows. That should tell you how good it is. It is quite slow, but it is a classic and is greatly appreciated as a top 5 AFI song of all time.
Another 12 minute song...that means extra track!
Track 12 1/2 : Midnight Sun
Rating 4/5
Not a bad extra hidden track, has a hooking chorus, with some cool guitars. The verses are spoken, which makes it a tad boring, but despite that, it's a cool extra melody for the fans.
AFI's first three albums were punk/hardcore. The fans were suprised to see the direction AFI chose to go in. Some jumped ship, while some heroicly braved the storm. Most of us still stand tall, and proud as AFI fans.
"Through Our Bleeding, We Are One."
Cheers, Drewman
posted August 20, 2008 at 05:25:30 PM
AFI has entered the Main Stream. Have they changed? Of course they have. That's what AFI is all about. You could have the evolution of AFI using Davey as the figure being used. Except Davey dresses differently, and the music changes.
Sing the Sorrow is AFI's Masterpiece in my mind. So many different sounds collide when listening to this masterpiece. I admit openly to crying while listening to one of the songs...I'll reveal it later. That's how much I love this album. Alrighty, we're ready to plunge into STS. Go...boom!
Track 1 : Miseria Cantare - The Beginning
Rating 4/5
Your basic AFI intro. The title translates as Sing the Sorrow. (I think...) It starts with eerie noises followed by Adam banging a defiant beat on his drums. Then, a group vocal part comes in, with an E Minor to accompany it. Then all fades, and the drums get raw, and Davey starts singing the beginning of a masterpiece. This song is just an intro, but is has so many features. Even bells in the background ringing along with the guitar. It ends and here we go folks...
Track 2 : Leaving Song Pt.2
Rating 5/5
One of AFI's classics that everyone loves. At least it seems to be that way. The chorus is always builtup into, and is a barrage of war cries. Many choruses off STS are indeed like that. Davey uses some Spanish as well to dramaticize his lyrics. Bilingual ftw! It goes into an impressive guitar part and a quiet part all leading to the chorus, ending it all.
Track 3 : Bleed Black
Rating 4/5
Very good beginning. Awsome guitar riff. Awsome drum line. A Davey "OH!" as well. The first verse is fantastic. As is the chorus, with alternating voice parts and powerful instrumentals. This song didn't entirely blow me away like it should've. It is a great song.
Track 4 : Silver and Cold
Rating 5/5
My favorite STS song. It starts with a beautiful piano part. It then starts the band up with a simple beginning with chords and slow drums. It goes acoustic, and a whisper-singing Davey. This builds up to an epic chorus, that I must say is one of my favorites. The drums get louder as do the guitars in the 2nd verse. It builds up through out the song. This is STS at it's finest.
Track 5 : Dancing Through Sunday
Rating 5/5
Although short, this is one of AFI's best songs ever. It starts out fast, and stays that way up until the guitar goes into a frenzy of "AWSOME"! With Jade's best solo as a member of AFI, this song is a favorite among everyone who has listened to AFI ever. Two greats in a row. Maybe three?
Track 6 : Girl's Not Grey
Rating 5/5
Wow. Another great song. Three in a row. This was a big 'un in 2003 on TVs everywhere. This is up there with AFI's great songs of the past 10 years. AFI fan hit + Mainstream hit = GREAT SUCCESS!
Track 7 : Death of Seasons
Rating 5/5
Another fantastic song. An amazing bass riff to begin, and Davey screaming...Turns into a fast paced onslaught full of energy and emotion. You hear a hint of DU in the 2nd verse at about 1:10-1:25 as well. When you think this goliath of a song is over, cellos start playin just about the saddest thing ever, as Davey's fading screams loom...as a man, I admit I once cried at this part. So beautiful and inspirational. 5 stars baby.
Track 8 : The Great Disappoint
Rating 4/5
Awwww, the run of 5 star songs has indeed ended...but this is song that I think sounds like one is discovering something never seen before...a mystery. AS the sound FX crescendo, all the instruments come in at different times. Jade with yet another creative riff, with whisper-singing by Davey. A war cry chorus with some cool guitar. Overall, an Average AFI song, which is still high on the scale.
Track 9 : Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)
Rating 5/5
Great song, with some great riffs and drums. A song that is fast paced, and has that AFI kick to it. With the Group Chorus vocals of course. The long buildup to the last chorus is a good example of how far AFI have come in their career. From simple punk riffs to this...simply unbelievable.
Track 10 : This Celluloid Dream
Rating 4/5
Great vocals on this track, as well as raw emotion. You hear it in Davey's voice. He really likes singing this song. A very odd change in key close to the end of the song, leading to the final chorus, which is full of noise and group vocals. One of the best song names as well.
Track 11 : The Leaving Song
Rating 4.5/5
A complete acoustic track, with just a guitar and Davey singing with it. Beautiful chords as well, as a steady pace to go with it. The extra FX make this song a joy to listen to.
Track 12 : ...But Home is Nowhere
Rating 4/5
An epic beginning, middle, and end to this song. War cry chorus with Davey yelling over the top of it all. An AFI fan favorite. But it's not exactly this part that everyone gets excited about...
Track 12 1/2 : This Time Imperfect
Rating 5/5
After minutes of silence after "...But Home is Nowhere", you will hear this song. One of AFI's best songs ever. This has "Epic" written all over it. There is so much raw emotion put into this song, you don't want it to end. But it does.
OHHH, another extraaaaa.
Track UK : Now the World
Rating 5/5
Incredible song, that if they would've had on the album, I swear the world would've gone absolutely ape**** over it. Pretty close to as good as Dancing through Sunday. A Fan Favorite, and one that has a perfect song structure. Creative guitar, chorus, and everything. Changes in tempo, and in key. Everything you want from AFI is right here in this piece of fine divinity.
Sing the Sorrow is perhaps one of my favorite albums ever. I highly recomend getting this album. This is however, not an album you would want to start off with as a person looking to buy sn AFI CD.
This CD influences me to make my own music, and to keep believing in times of doubt. This is AFI. This is who they are.
Sing the Sorrow is AFI's Masterpiece in my mind. So many different sounds collide when listening to this masterpiece. I admit openly to crying while listening to one of the songs...I'll reveal it later. That's how much I love this album. Alrighty, we're ready to plunge into STS. Go...boom!
Track 1 : Miseria Cantare - The Beginning
Rating 4/5
Your basic AFI intro. The title translates as Sing the Sorrow. (I think...) It starts with eerie noises followed by Adam banging a defiant beat on his drums. Then, a group vocal part comes in, with an E Minor to accompany it. Then all fades, and the drums get raw, and Davey starts singing the beginning of a masterpiece. This song is just an intro, but is has so many features. Even bells in the background ringing along with the guitar. It ends and here we go folks...
Track 2 : Leaving Song Pt.2
Rating 5/5
One of AFI's classics that everyone loves. At least it seems to be that way. The chorus is always builtup into, and is a barrage of war cries. Many choruses off STS are indeed like that. Davey uses some Spanish as well to dramaticize his lyrics. Bilingual ftw! It goes into an impressive guitar part and a quiet part all leading to the chorus, ending it all.
Track 3 : Bleed Black
Rating 4/5
Very good beginning. Awsome guitar riff. Awsome drum line. A Davey "OH!" as well. The first verse is fantastic. As is the chorus, with alternating voice parts and powerful instrumentals. This song didn't entirely blow me away like it should've. It is a great song.
Track 4 : Silver and Cold
Rating 5/5
My favorite STS song. It starts with a beautiful piano part. It then starts the band up with a simple beginning with chords and slow drums. It goes acoustic, and a whisper-singing Davey. This builds up to an epic chorus, that I must say is one of my favorites. The drums get louder as do the guitars in the 2nd verse. It builds up through out the song. This is STS at it's finest.
Track 5 : Dancing Through Sunday
Rating 5/5
Although short, this is one of AFI's best songs ever. It starts out fast, and stays that way up until the guitar goes into a frenzy of "AWSOME"! With Jade's best solo as a member of AFI, this song is a favorite among everyone who has listened to AFI ever. Two greats in a row. Maybe three?
Track 6 : Girl's Not Grey
Rating 5/5
Wow. Another great song. Three in a row. This was a big 'un in 2003 on TVs everywhere. This is up there with AFI's great songs of the past 10 years. AFI fan hit + Mainstream hit = GREAT SUCCESS!
Track 7 : Death of Seasons
Rating 5/5
Another fantastic song. An amazing bass riff to begin, and Davey screaming...Turns into a fast paced onslaught full of energy and emotion. You hear a hint of DU in the 2nd verse at about 1:10-1:25 as well. When you think this goliath of a song is over, cellos start playin just about the saddest thing ever, as Davey's fading screams loom...as a man, I admit I once cried at this part. So beautiful and inspirational. 5 stars baby.
Track 8 : The Great Disappoint
Rating 4/5
Awwww, the run of 5 star songs has indeed ended...but this is song that I think sounds like one is discovering something never seen before...a mystery. AS the sound FX crescendo, all the instruments come in at different times. Jade with yet another creative riff, with whisper-singing by Davey. A war cry chorus with some cool guitar. Overall, an Average AFI song, which is still high on the scale.
Track 9 : Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)
Rating 5/5
Great song, with some great riffs and drums. A song that is fast paced, and has that AFI kick to it. With the Group Chorus vocals of course. The long buildup to the last chorus is a good example of how far AFI have come in their career. From simple punk riffs to this...simply unbelievable.
Track 10 : This Celluloid Dream
Rating 4/5
Great vocals on this track, as well as raw emotion. You hear it in Davey's voice. He really likes singing this song. A very odd change in key close to the end of the song, leading to the final chorus, which is full of noise and group vocals. One of the best song names as well.
Track 11 : The Leaving Song
Rating 4.5/5
A complete acoustic track, with just a guitar and Davey singing with it. Beautiful chords as well, as a steady pace to go with it. The extra FX make this song a joy to listen to.
Track 12 : ...But Home is Nowhere
Rating 4/5
An epic beginning, middle, and end to this song. War cry chorus with Davey yelling over the top of it all. An AFI fan favorite. But it's not exactly this part that everyone gets excited about...
Track 12 1/2 : This Time Imperfect
Rating 5/5
After minutes of silence after "...But Home is Nowhere", you will hear this song. One of AFI's best songs ever. This has "Epic" written all over it. There is so much raw emotion put into this song, you don't want it to end. But it does.
OHHH, another extraaaaa.
Track UK : Now the World
Rating 5/5
Incredible song, that if they would've had on the album, I swear the world would've gone absolutely ape**** over it. Pretty close to as good as Dancing through Sunday. A Fan Favorite, and one that has a perfect song structure. Creative guitar, chorus, and everything. Changes in tempo, and in key. Everything you want from AFI is right here in this piece of fine divinity.
Sing the Sorrow is perhaps one of my favorite albums ever. I highly recomend getting this album. This is however, not an album you would want to start off with as a person looking to buy sn AFI CD.
This CD influences me to make my own music, and to keep believing in times of doubt. This is AFI. This is who they are.
posted August 20, 2008 at 04:22:59 PM
AFI. Either you love them, or you hate them. In my case, I love them, but I am trying to give this album a review I would give to any other album out there. Despite my biased, I'm still judging this album fairly...At least I think so.
People have had mixed opinions of AFI's 2nd mainstream album. STS (Sing the Sorrow) was a big success with endless tunes such as Girl's Not Grey, Silver and Cold, and Leaving Song pt.2. The whole CD was an onslaught of what I would call "Awsome". Many call it their best album yet. I agree.
This review is about Decemberunderground. The album has 12 tracks on it, and I will review all the songs off of it. I will jot down my review of the song as I listen to it.
If you want to see how I think this album stacks up against other AFI albums, just go to the end of the review.
Track 1 : Prelude 12/21
Rating : 4/5
Crescendos of light noises, they fade as Davey sings one of the albums great lyrics. He repeats the lyrics throughout the song a few times. This was a good way to start off the album. As AFI fans know, all AFI albums start with an intro.
Track 2 : Kill Caustic
4/5
You're thrown right into the action of a mosh-pit favorite. A catchy chorus makes the song. As well as the interesting guitars. Cool breakdown before the last chorus, as they build up towards the last chorus.
Track 3 : Miss Murder
Rating 5/5
What can I say about this song. Mainstream gargantuan song. I've seen the video so many times, it's engrained into my brain. A pretty simple, but very catchy chorus. The verses have decent guitar lines. The "Fall Children esque" guitar riff before the screaming is an AFI fan favorite. Another buildup to the final chorus. Fantastic song.
Track 4 : Summer Shudder
Rating 4.5/5
Summer Shudder is an AFI fan song. Meaning that most AFI fans will love the heck out of it. But I'm pretty sure anyone could enjoy it. This song has great lyrics and everything you would expect out of an AFI song. Group Chorus, and good guitars. December Classic.
Track 5 : The Interview
Rating 4.5
Yet another AFI fan song. It starts as a quiet and mellow guitar duo with a very simple riff with Davey's beautiful voice above it all. Even though this is probably the most quiet song on the CD, it is still up to par with most AFI work. It gets a bit louder as the song progresses, with a louder chorus including what sounds like a piano. This is a song you listen to in the morning, when you get up. In the end, the band members exchange lyrics with soft voices, as an organ sounds off in the distance. Right into...
Track 6 : Love Like Winter
Rating 5/5
Definetely not a typical AFI song. Originally, LLW was a Blaqk Audio song, but they found rock elements in it. Being their 2nd single, and not really sounding like an AFI song is quite peculiar. They pulled it off. In my opinion, the catchiest song on the CD. However it is a bit short. When you listen to this song, you get the feeling of snow, and the cold. They hit the jackpot with the music video too. This is one of the albums high points. At least for Mainstream AFI Fans.
Track 7 : Affliction
Rating 4/5
This is one of only a few louder songs on the CD, and I have to say the guitars are pretty good. Oddly, the chorus is softer than the rest of the song. In between chorus and verse, one can hear the great bass work of Hunter, with an always riveting Jade riff. An unforgetable soft buildup to the last chorus. And a Chorus ending.
Track 8 : The Missing Frame
Rating 5/5
A great piece of work, that I would've wanted to be a single. Oh well. Yes, it is an AFI fan song, but it is truly a masterpiece of writing, especially the chorus. The best part of the song is before the final chorus. I won't ruin the great lyrics for you. It is the most epic part of Decemberunderground. No joke.
Track 9 : Kiss and Control
Rating 5/5
My favorite song on the CD. One could say this could have been a STS song. It combines light/acoustic instruments with Davey's whispering voice with heavy distorted instruments with Davey's screams during the chorus. It almost feels like a story. Very creative guitar parts by Jade in the majority of the song. An epic song, on all proportions. Track 10 : The Killing Lights
Rating 3.5/5
Overall, this is a good song. A similar beginning to "The Interview". Quiet guitars playing the same riff over and over. A "less than awsome" chorus follows. However, it is an upbeat song. Jade inserts again a decent amount of "Awsome" on guitar. A peculiar buildup towards the final chorus. By all means, it's not a bad song. It just lacked an AFI element.
Track 11 : 37mm
Rating 4/5
Starts as a pretty creepy sound effect leads to Davey whisper-singing a very catchy verse. Ahhh, there's the AFI Group Chorus. Another moderately quiet song. A nice buildup (again) to the final chorus. An odd ending, but overall a good AFI classic.
Track 12 : Endlessly, She Said
Rating 5/5
Great beginning filled with winter-ish sounds. Fantastic work on guitar, bass, vocals and drums. This song shows off everyone's individual abilities, but also their ability as a band. A fan favorite, but it could've had mainstream success as a song. Epic buildup...blabla...you know the whole jig.
HA. Two Extra Tracks for you. These are tracks either not released in the US, or a B-Side to the album.
Track 13 : On the Arrow
Rating 4.5/5
Starts out similar to Kiss and Control. It sounds a lot like Leaving Song as well. A song that can cause tears. Oh yeah. It's acoustic the entire song, with a few added sound effects at the end, which was a fantastic addition.
Track 14 : Rabbits Are Roadkill On Rt. 37
Rating 5/5
Adam drums alone at the beginning quite crisply, with harmonics on the guitars being played. The bass playing it's distincitve line. A sweet riff by Jade in between Chorus and Verse. A song that for me, defines what Decemberunderground is. (Along with Kiss and Control) A nice Breakdown, that ends with Davey holding out a note while the band plays a cool sequence leading to Davey singing alone only with the Jade riff with hime, which turns into the chorus. Group Ending.
Decemberunderground, even though criticized, is an album worth getting. I just wish fans would understand that AFI had to change sometime. They couldn't do punk for 17 years, that wouldn't be AFI. This is AFI. Accept it, or **** off. Davey's voice would die if they would've been punk forever. It was damaged from the countless years of hardcore music. And don't get me wrong, I absolutely love their old albums. I have them all, and it is very hard to rank them. I'll try right now...
1. STS
2. Black Sails
3. Shut Your Mouth
4. Very Proud of Ya
5. DU
6. Answer That
7. Art of Drowning
I need to listen to AOD more i think...
Well, to the people who label AFI as "sell-outs", I have this to say. Their music did not change for **** because of being on a major record label. It's what they wanted to write. Just think about it. They produce their own music as well. It's no mistake that DU sounds like it does. The term "sell-out", is a ****ty term. Just because the band wants to be a bit richer and wants to make a big name for themselves, doesn't mean they "suck" now. I don't know if you heard, but DU was what...number one?! How is that sucky? Suck on that. Rawr@U d00d.
I'll leave you with a last comment of what I thought of DU overall.
Decemberunderground is AFI's most successful album. Even though it may not be considered the best, it is still their biggest album to date. No one can deny that. And as AFI gets ready for album number 8, people are getting nervous and excited. It will be different than DU. Trust me. ALL of AFI's albums are different from one another, except maybe VPOY and ATASF...AFI will continue it's take over of the world, and no matter what they do, their fans will be right behind them. I will be there as well...
Except if they go Country. Then I'm out.
Cheers,
The Drewman
People have had mixed opinions of AFI's 2nd mainstream album. STS (Sing the Sorrow) was a big success with endless tunes such as Girl's Not Grey, Silver and Cold, and Leaving Song pt.2. The whole CD was an onslaught of what I would call "Awsome". Many call it their best album yet. I agree.
This review is about Decemberunderground. The album has 12 tracks on it, and I will review all the songs off of it. I will jot down my review of the song as I listen to it.
If you want to see how I think this album stacks up against other AFI albums, just go to the end of the review.
Track 1 : Prelude 12/21
Rating : 4/5
Crescendos of light noises, they fade as Davey sings one of the albums great lyrics. He repeats the lyrics throughout the song a few times. This was a good way to start off the album. As AFI fans know, all AFI albums start with an intro.
Track 2 : Kill Caustic
4/5
You're thrown right into the action of a mosh-pit favorite. A catchy chorus makes the song. As well as the interesting guitars. Cool breakdown before the last chorus, as they build up towards the last chorus.
Track 3 : Miss Murder
Rating 5/5
What can I say about this song. Mainstream gargantuan song. I've seen the video so many times, it's engrained into my brain. A pretty simple, but very catchy chorus. The verses have decent guitar lines. The "Fall Children esque" guitar riff before the screaming is an AFI fan favorite. Another buildup to the final chorus. Fantastic song.
Track 4 : Summer Shudder
Rating 4.5/5
Summer Shudder is an AFI fan song. Meaning that most AFI fans will love the heck out of it. But I'm pretty sure anyone could enjoy it. This song has great lyrics and everything you would expect out of an AFI song. Group Chorus, and good guitars. December Classic.
Track 5 : The Interview
Rating 4.5
Yet another AFI fan song. It starts as a quiet and mellow guitar duo with a very simple riff with Davey's beautiful voice above it all. Even though this is probably the most quiet song on the CD, it is still up to par with most AFI work. It gets a bit louder as the song progresses, with a louder chorus including what sounds like a piano. This is a song you listen to in the morning, when you get up. In the end, the band members exchange lyrics with soft voices, as an organ sounds off in the distance. Right into...
Track 6 : Love Like Winter
Rating 5/5
Definetely not a typical AFI song. Originally, LLW was a Blaqk Audio song, but they found rock elements in it. Being their 2nd single, and not really sounding like an AFI song is quite peculiar. They pulled it off. In my opinion, the catchiest song on the CD. However it is a bit short. When you listen to this song, you get the feeling of snow, and the cold. They hit the jackpot with the music video too. This is one of the albums high points. At least for Mainstream AFI Fans.
Track 7 : Affliction
Rating 4/5
This is one of only a few louder songs on the CD, and I have to say the guitars are pretty good. Oddly, the chorus is softer than the rest of the song. In between chorus and verse, one can hear the great bass work of Hunter, with an always riveting Jade riff. An unforgetable soft buildup to the last chorus. And a Chorus ending.
Track 8 : The Missing Frame
Rating 5/5
A great piece of work, that I would've wanted to be a single. Oh well. Yes, it is an AFI fan song, but it is truly a masterpiece of writing, especially the chorus. The best part of the song is before the final chorus. I won't ruin the great lyrics for you. It is the most epic part of Decemberunderground. No joke.
Track 9 : Kiss and Control
Rating 5/5
My favorite song on the CD. One could say this could have been a STS song. It combines light/acoustic instruments with Davey's whispering voice with heavy distorted instruments with Davey's screams during the chorus. It almost feels like a story. Very creative guitar parts by Jade in the majority of the song. An epic song, on all proportions. Track 10 : The Killing Lights
Rating 3.5/5
Overall, this is a good song. A similar beginning to "The Interview". Quiet guitars playing the same riff over and over. A "less than awsome" chorus follows. However, it is an upbeat song. Jade inserts again a decent amount of "Awsome" on guitar. A peculiar buildup towards the final chorus. By all means, it's not a bad song. It just lacked an AFI element.
Track 11 : 37mm
Rating 4/5
Starts as a pretty creepy sound effect leads to Davey whisper-singing a very catchy verse. Ahhh, there's the AFI Group Chorus. Another moderately quiet song. A nice buildup (again) to the final chorus. An odd ending, but overall a good AFI classic.
Track 12 : Endlessly, She Said
Rating 5/5
Great beginning filled with winter-ish sounds. Fantastic work on guitar, bass, vocals and drums. This song shows off everyone's individual abilities, but also their ability as a band. A fan favorite, but it could've had mainstream success as a song. Epic buildup...blabla...you know the whole jig.
HA. Two Extra Tracks for you. These are tracks either not released in the US, or a B-Side to the album.
Track 13 : On the Arrow
Rating 4.5/5
Starts out similar to Kiss and Control. It sounds a lot like Leaving Song as well. A song that can cause tears. Oh yeah. It's acoustic the entire song, with a few added sound effects at the end, which was a fantastic addition.
Track 14 : Rabbits Are Roadkill On Rt. 37
Rating 5/5
Adam drums alone at the beginning quite crisply, with harmonics on the guitars being played. The bass playing it's distincitve line. A sweet riff by Jade in between Chorus and Verse. A song that for me, defines what Decemberunderground is. (Along with Kiss and Control) A nice Breakdown, that ends with Davey holding out a note while the band plays a cool sequence leading to Davey singing alone only with the Jade riff with hime, which turns into the chorus. Group Ending.
Decemberunderground, even though criticized, is an album worth getting. I just wish fans would understand that AFI had to change sometime. They couldn't do punk for 17 years, that wouldn't be AFI. This is AFI. Accept it, or **** off. Davey's voice would die if they would've been punk forever. It was damaged from the countless years of hardcore music. And don't get me wrong, I absolutely love their old albums. I have them all, and it is very hard to rank them. I'll try right now...
1. STS
2. Black Sails
3. Shut Your Mouth
4. Very Proud of Ya
5. DU
6. Answer That
7. Art of Drowning
I need to listen to AOD more i think...
Well, to the people who label AFI as "sell-outs", I have this to say. Their music did not change for **** because of being on a major record label. It's what they wanted to write. Just think about it. They produce their own music as well. It's no mistake that DU sounds like it does. The term "sell-out", is a ****ty term. Just because the band wants to be a bit richer and wants to make a big name for themselves, doesn't mean they "suck" now. I don't know if you heard, but DU was what...number one?! How is that sucky? Suck on that. Rawr@U d00d.
I'll leave you with a last comment of what I thought of DU overall.
Decemberunderground is AFI's most successful album. Even though it may not be considered the best, it is still their biggest album to date. No one can deny that. And as AFI gets ready for album number 8, people are getting nervous and excited. It will be different than DU. Trust me. ALL of AFI's albums are different from one another, except maybe VPOY and ATASF...AFI will continue it's take over of the world, and no matter what they do, their fans will be right behind them. I will be there as well...
Except if they go Country. Then I'm out.
Cheers,
The Drewman
posted August 20, 2008 at 03:31:01 PM
