Head like a hole...
There has been a lot said about AFI and their sound, however AFI have a history of evolving and changing, and on 'December Underground' this is evident. Even in the first prelude song we have almost r'n'b beats which see them a million miles away from their goth/rock routes.
'Kill Caustic' has flashes of what we have come to expect with the blasts of screaming vocals coupled with the mellow softer vocals and big choruses. 'Miss Murder' is of course the hugely catchy number that is currently being played on the TV and radio music stations, with its great Manson-esque usage of big beats and synthesisers in the background. Along with songs like 'Summer Shudder' with more big choruses, AFI are now more accessible and this will surely thrust them into the mainstream, which may not delight some of the fickle fans who have already been suggesting that the band is selling out.
'Love Like Winter' has more electronica alongside gentle verses and another anthem chorus which kicks in chunky guitar riffs. 'Affliction' has a full-throttle rock edge and the music sounds a little like Yellowcard with Davy screaming over the top. Elsewhere 'Missing Beat' starts with a great thumping beat and a catchy riff before going a little more in the direction of Muse, however there is no mistaking that it is AFI, on full rock power here.
'Killing Lights' has glam influences, which as the band agree comes from growing up and listening to 80's rock. '37mm' has a bizarre start with electro noises, and we have the Depeche Mode/Sisters Of Mercy gothic echoes, whilst 'Endlessly, She Said' plays out like a power ballad. We then have two added bonus tracks, 'Rabbits Are Roadkill on Rt.37' which has a great beat and is a great example of the more commercial AFI. The album finishes with a more than adequate cover of Nine Inch Nails' classic song 'Head Like A Hole' which although it lacks the aggression of the original, proves that AFI aren't scared of trying the ambitious.
Okay, so perhaps this is AFI's most commercial album yet, but surely that isn't always a bad thing? For a band that is constantly changing, who knows what path they will go off on next time, however this is a pretty damn fine album mixing up hard rock and electrica beats with screaming, frantic, or soft meaningful vocals to produce something a little bit different, but catchy enough to be a success. The album is so much better then the rumours, believe me...