Rock band AFI are back with the 2009 release of their eighth studio album, "Crash Love", the follow up to their 2006 multi platinum Decemberunderground.
With the album, AFI has brought something new and fresh to the table, never sounding old or dated with the twelve tracks. Their three year absence brings some of their best work with meaningful lyrics, some great vocal performances by lead singer Davey Havok, and of course, amazing guitar performances.
The album runs very smoothly and shows that even though it is the band's eighth album, they are still getting better and better and are growing stronger as a band. "Crash Love" is a well constructed rock album with a twist of modern pop. The band has released a collection of new material that is a step up from their previous album and deserves a listen.
The first track, "Torch Song", is traditional AFI. The band hits hard and this track is a great way for them to re-introduce themselves, even though I am sure no one actually ever forgot them. The track is filled with Havok's amazing vocals and Jade Puget's guitar work that proves to be a great example of the material on the album. My personal favorite on the album, "Beautiful Thieves", is a song that would not feel out of place on their previous album, but also fits perfectly with this tracklist as well. Havok sings the lyrics with emotion while showing off the vocal range he has. The song comes off strong and one of the best on the album. The album continues with tracks like "End Transmission" and "Too Shy To Scream". The first takes on the rock vibe we come to expect from the band, but the latter shows the slight pop side that they have dipped their feet in over the past few years. Both songs are well written and well performed and let the album continue to be an enjoyable listen. A suprising, new sound comes out in the track "Veronica Sawyer Smokes". Even though I appreciate and love creativity, the song falls flat. It never picks up and is a disappointment when placed next to the other great tracks. The band's trademark sound comes back with the tracks "Okay, I Feel Better Now" and first single "Medicate". Both are amazing rock songs, with one taking on the soft side, while the other is the hardest the band has rocked in quite some time. The songs also do a great job at tying both halves of the album together. The band continues throwing out good songs when "I Am Trying Very Hard To Be Here" starts playing. It may be the shortest song on the album, but it still packs as strong a punch as any other track on the album. Unfortunately, the album stalls once again with "Sacrilege". Not a bad song at all, but it just does not sound like it was created with AFI's full potential and ability. A forgetful track by an amazing band. "Darling, I Want To Destroy You" is a song where Havok experiments with his voice. The experiment pays off and gives the album a entirely different feel without sounding completely "left field". It is basically another successful track off the album. The album closes with the tracks "Cold Hands" and "It Was Mine". Both do a fine job at gradually bringing the hard rock pace and feel of the album to a nice and smooth finish. The two tracks are great AFI creations that will leave the listener satisfied with the entire album. Though not as commercially successful as their previous album, "Crash Love" sets the bar high for the work of a band that has been on the music scene for fifteen years. The album is nothing spectacular, but it is an amazing, well-written, and well produced album from a band that will be here for many more years.
The album works in every way. Never does the album stumble hard enough to not be able to pick itself back up again. "Crash Love" is an album that die hard fans will be satisfied with as well as an album that will attract even more fans for the band. Many tracks shine bright, bright enough for me to consider them some of the best work that they have ever put out. Rock is the main influence for the band, but they also try different things that prove to be successful and somewhat of a glimpse at the future of the band. After eight albums, AFI is good enough to keep creating material that still sounds fresh and appealing. They stomp over any new band to show that they are truly the great ones. The album is a nice follow up to "Decemberground" and even though it may not have as successful singles, this album sounds complete and finished. Final rating for "Crash Love" is an 84%.
Tracks to hear: "Beautiful Thieves", "Medicate", and "I Am Trying Very Hard To Be Here"
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