AFI
Decemberunderground

Submitted by: Amy

Decemberunderground' is the 7th album from Californian goth-punk band, AFI. The band, made up of singer/songwriter; Davey Havok, guitarist; Jade Puget, bassist; Hunter and drummer; Adam Carson, was first formed in 1991 and released their first album, 'Answer That and Stay Fashionable' in 1995. Over the years their sound has changed somewhat, which is particularly noticeable in albums such as 'Sing the Sorrow and their latest, 'Decemberunderground'.

'Decemberunderground', the eagerly anticipated follow-up to 2003's 'Sing the Sorrow'. After waiting for three long years for this album I decided to buy it as soon as possible. Needless to say, I was in no way disappointed.



'Decemberunderground' cannot really compare to any of AFI's other albums. My reason for this is that it contains elements of their different sounds, from their punk rock sound on their earlier albums such as 'Answer That and Stay Fashionable' and 'Very Proud of Ya' to their goth punk sound on their later albums such as 'The Art of Drowning' and more noticeably, 'Sing the Sorrow'.


The album opens up with a short song called 'Prelude 12/21'. It reminds me of 'Miseria Cantare' from their last album, 'Sing the Sorrow' in the way it has powerful lyrics and drum beat.

'Miss Murder', the band's latest single is a very catchy pop punk song with a chorus that is easy to sing along to. It sounds very different to the rest of the album, or in fact, most of AFI's work.

My personal favorite on this album would have to be track number four, 'Summer Shudder'. It has a slightly dark, depressing feel to it, mainly from the lyrics but at the same time, has a catchy chorus. It is a beautiful song and is one of those songs you hear once and instantly fall in love with.

Unlike the closing tracks on their last three albums, 'Endlessly, She Said' is slow, but picks up the pace at the chorus and pre-chorus. This is a beautiful love song and a good way to end the album although I think they could have done better by using a softer, slower track as they did on their last three albums.

'Decemberunderground' is a varied album with a lot of different sounds and one look at the lyrics will assure you Davey is not wasting his songwriting talents. This is an album worth getting, especially if you enjoyed 'Sing the Sorrow' - and although it is arguable that it may not be their best album, it was worth the three year wait. The songs have meaning, feeling and are written in the most beautiful way. AFI are arguably one of the best bands around at the moment and judging by the popularity of 'Miss Murder' this album will be huge. This is definitely a must-own album.