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AFI (A FIRE INSIDE) :
SING THE SORROW
AFI have managed to get quite a lot of press recently. Davey Havok (vocals), Jade Puget (guitar), Hunter (bass), and Adam Carson (drums) have made the jump to a major label (Dream Works), and are causing music fans everywhere to stand up and take a look. Many of their old fans are saying the band has changed too much, and is no longer Punk, others are saying this is the bands finest moment. So who is right? Well, we all have to decide that on our own, but I'll give ya my 2 cents. I have been a casual fan of the band for the last few years, meaning I own 3 of their CDs, like 'em, but they have never been one of my favorites. AFI has been fairly prolific in their short career, releasing 6 full-length albums and a handful of EPs since 1995, and gaining a large legion of fans in the underground. This time around, they recorded at Cello Studios, Los Angeles, with Nirvana / Smashing Pumpkins producer Butch Vig and Green Day / Rancid mixer Jerry Finn, so we have a pretty damn professional recording here. So, are they still Punk? I would say yes, with a "but." AFI has started to incorporate many other elements into their music, specifically, and most notably, the Goth element. Both in a darker imagery, as well as the guitar tones, but as they prove many time on this disc, they can still slam out the fast stuff with the best of them. You can also pick out bits of Metal and even an Industrial moment or two. But what counts is the songs. And let me say that the songs are powerful and majestic, simultaneously encompassing sorrow and hope, and they're full of meaty hooks that should get them some actual radio play. If you're new to the band, you might be taken aback by Davey's vocals, as they are, shall we say, somewhat in the higher range. Some people love 'em, others can't stand 'em. Sort of like how people react to Danzig's vocals when hearing them for the first time. For you collectors, the CD comes in many flavors, we have:
1. Regular edition - Red Lettering / Black Background, 12 tracks, plus hidden track "This Time Imperfect "
2. Limited edition - Silver Lettering / Black Background, 12 tracks, plus hidden track "This Time Imperfect "
3. Tour Limited edition - Black Lettering / Black Background, 12 tracks, plus hidden track "This Time Imperfect "
4. Double 12" LP edition - Red Lettering / Black Background / Red Wax, 12 tracks
5. Limited Import edition - Silver Lettering / Black Background, 12 tracks, plus hidden track "This Time Imperfect" & 2 bonus tracks, "Now The World" & "Synthesthesia"
6. Limited Hard cover Book edition - Black Lettering / Black Background, 60 page book, 12 tracks, plus a bonus DVD with :
Clandestine (Short Film)
Death Of Seasons (Mixed in 5.1 Surround)
Silver & Cold (Mixed in 5.1 Surround)
But Home Is Nowhere (Mixed in 5.1 Surround)
The Great Disappointment (Mixed in 5.1 Surround)
Reiver's Music (Mixed in 5.1 Surround)
And there may be even more, so you have many ways to part with your money. I have the book version, but wish they included those 2 bonus songs on there for the price. I think this is their best work to date. And I can't wait to see where they go from here. Bottom line, you should own at least one version of this. For more info you can find the band at afireinside.net.
RATING = 8.5 Goth-Punk (Released 2003)
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"Greatest hits albums are for housewives and little girls."
-Bruce McCulloch K.I.T.H. '91
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