| 
AFI's latest album, Crash Love | | Over the last few years many bands have re-invented themselves, developing their musical style through their experience. AFI are the latest band to join the list with their newly released album, Crash Love.
Departing from the dark lyrics and screamed choruses of 2006’s Decemberunderground, AFI’s latest effort is a more refined production. The overdrive has been turned down a notch on the guitars in favour of a cleaner and fuller sound which represents the band’s new direction. However it’s Havoc’s vocal performance that really shines through on the album. His voice, unique and instantly recognisable makes for some memorable choruses which fans will be singing along to for years to come.
Medicate, the first single from Crash Love, is a fast paced track about using one night stands to cure the need for physical relationships. It has all the features of a successful single with cryptic lyrics and a catchy chorus which AFI will hope puts it up there with fan favorite Miss Murder.
Every song on the album feels epic in some way, the inclusion of a female choir in Torch Song and Beautiful Thieves creates an atmosphere which makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Although not as riffy as previous albums, headbangers will be satisfied by Cold Hands and Too Shy To Scream, which drop the choir in favour of something a bit heavier to keep things moving.
Having taken a leap in musical style, fans of Decemberunderground may be initially put off by Crash Love. However, those who put the effort in will find it grows on them and will be rewarded with what is one of the finest albums of the year.
No exact dates have been given for their upcoming UK tour but AFI have hinted that we will see them in the New Year.
Listen to the album now!
George Turner | |