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THE REVIEW
More than three years later, AFI (A Fire Inside) return with their new work: "Decemberunderground".
The successor of "Sing The Sorrow" has a challenging task, given the excellent quality of its predecessor, which launched the quartet from Ukiah among the most talented alternative rock bands on the scene. First of all, it should be said that, once again, the band has undertaken a musical turn, further distancing themselves from the dark-punk of their beginnings, to explore alternative paths, straddling the new hardcore trends and the now-classic style of 80s dark wave bands.
Going more specifically into the new work, it should be stated that the mission to produce a work worthy of expectations has been accomplished. "Decemberunderground" is an excellent work, full of inspiration and class, which the band distributes across the twelve tracks of the album. It begins with the now indispensable intro: "Prelude 12/21", immediately capable of immersing the listener in the atmosphere that quickly defines itself with "Kill Caustic" and the single "Miss Murder".
The following "Summer Shudder" offers a glimpse of the new AFI in a rock version, without ever giving up the choruses that have always characterized them. One has to wait until "Affliction" to hear echoes of the band's punk past again, leaving one a bit puzzled when offering a track like "The Missing Frame", almost coming out of a jam session with The Killers, but with much more class.
The album slides away, without ever losing intensity with "The Killing Lights" and "37mm", and then explodes in the melancholic and touching finale of "Endlessly, she said". Musically, many might have objections, but the universe of AFI is much more than just music, because, as usual, it is the lyrics that make the difference.
"Decemberunderground" offers moments of intense emotional participation, which in the long run, result in a sense of liberation and communion with songwriter/singer Davey Havok. To conclude, AFI's new work does not eclipse "Sing The Sorrow", but it is to be added in all respects to the saga of sorrow, sung with splendid delicacy by the four Californian musicians.
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Summary by Bot
AFI returns after three years with Decemberunderground, successfully evolving from their punk origins to blend alternative rock and 80s dark wave influences. The album balances energetic tracks like 'Miss Murder' with emotional depth, highlighted by Davey Havok's compelling lyrics. While not eclipsing their previous work 'Sing The Sorrow,' Decemberunderground adds a sophisticated chapter to their discography.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
AFI
AFI (A Fire Inside) are an American rock band formed in 1991 in Ukiah, California, evolving from hardcore punk roots into a darker, melodic alternative sound.06 Reviews
Other reviews
By Taurus
"Decemberunderground is not very different from the previous Sing The Sorrow, although there has been a further reduction in tempo, to give even more space to melody."
"The single 'Miss Murder' shows the more commercial side of AFI, so much so that it is hard to say whether it is a great piece or a pre-constructed cardboard to climb the charts."
