AFI
Decemberunderground

Interscope Records, June 2006
Genre: goth influenced punk
Offensive words: none

"decemberunderground is a time and a place. It is where the cold can huddle together in darkness and isolation. It is a community of those detached and disillusioned who flee to love, like winter, in the recesses below the rest of the world."-Davey Havok 
decemberunderground is also the title of AFI's seventh album. And like much of the record's lyrical and visual imagery, it seems to stand in stark contrast to the name behind the band's world-renowned moniker: A Fire Inside. Then again, the brightest flames burn white-they just don't usually burn so bright for so long. The documented origins of AFI stretch back to 1991 when Ukiah, California teens Davey Havok and Adam Carson formed the band and released a debut split 7" the following year with fellow Ukiah High students Loose Change (whose lineup at the time featured future AFI guitarist Jade Puget) titled Dork (Hey, they were in high school). A handful of singles, EPs, compilation tracks and early albums Answer That And Stay Fashionable (Wingnut, 1995) and Very Proud Of Ya (Nitro, 1996) followed in that youthfully exuberant, sometime sophomoric East bay hardcore/punk mode, as early incarnations of AFI hit the road and began to cultivate a worldwide following. (bio)

Musically
AFI holds true to their fan base with another goth punk influenced album with haunting effects and a maturity that continues to drive the band forward with originality. AFI is a hard band to describe in many ways due to the depth of their musicianship. The album starts with "Prelude 12/21" with a rhythmic beat and pop overtones but quickly changes musical focus on "Kill Caustic" with an awesome hard edged punk track.  The very next track changes focus again with "Miss Murder." It holds to a slight pop punk influence with very little hard edge. "The Interview" is a great track with yet another direction change.  The track shows a melodic nature which highlights the musical maturity and depth f AFI. "Kiss and Control" is another track that falls into this realm but brings in the harder edge in the chorus.  Overall, the band shows a lot of diversity full of great hooks and bass lines while not holding onto a mold that will just bring them radio fame. 

Lyrically/Vocally
Lyrically the band holds to their darker image with songs that gravitate to the isolated emotions and feelings of many fans. The songs deal with the darkness and abandonment in life and relationships.  I don't see any of the lyrics showing positive ways out but some would say that this is their way out. The imagery deals with bloody metaphors and directions of suicidal approach.  The band is not endorsing that in anyway but the songs are directed to those in those situations. Not really somethign I personally related to.  Vocally, Havoc has an amazing quality about him that adapts to all the styles of AFI flawlessly. From the harmonious melodies to the hard edged screaming, this guy can do it all.

Overall, not really my cup of tea.  I prefer my music a bit edgier and my lyrics with a bit more positive outlook.

"The Missing Frame"
I'll let you tear it up
If you dont wake me up
Cause its apparent
That you dont care and
It sunk into me
Cause I Don't care
Now no one cares.