'Decemberunderground' is the latest album to have been released by the American rock band AFI (A Fire Inside). I had not been looking forward to its release whatsoever when it came about in 2006. 'Miss Murder' was chosen to be the albums lead single and I took an instant disliking to it. What ... Read review
Advantages: Some of the tracks are greatly impressive and hugely powerful. Disadvantages: A lot of the album is quite weak and lifeless.
'Decemberunderground' is the latest album to have been released by the American rock band AFI (A Fire Inside). I had not been looking forward to its release whatsoever when it came about in 2006. 'Miss Murder' was chosen to be the albums lead single and I took an instant disliking to it. What I hated most about the single is that the opening guitar riff sounds as though it has been stolen straight from a Green Day record. Whenever I listen to the ... ...association from my mind, the album on the whole however is thankfully nothing like 'Miss Murder'. When listening to 'Decemberunderground' in fact, 'Miss Murder' stands out like a sore thumb as a made for radio release. It does not sound at all like the rest of the album and my opinion is that this can be regarded only as a great positive.
The album begins with an introduction that would sound at home in a Tim Burton film. The music ... more
'Decemberunderground' is the latest album to have been released by the American rock band AFI (A Fire Inside). I had not been looking forward to its release whatsoever when it came about in 2006. 'Miss Murder' was chosen to be the albums lead single and I took an instant disliking to it. What I hated most about the single is that the opening guitar riff sounds as though it has been stolen straight from a Green Day record. Whenever I listen to the track I just can't seem to rid the Green Day association from my mind, the album on the whole however is thankfully nothing like 'Miss Murder'. When listening to 'Decemberunderground' in fact, 'Miss Murder' stands out like a sore thumb as a made for radio release. It does not sound at all like the rest of the album and my opinion is that this can be regarded only as a great positive.
The album begins with an introduction that would sound at home in a Tim Burton film. The music has a great magical feel about it and 'Prelude 12/21' certainly starts the album off in style. It is here that 'Kill Caustic' explodes into action, one of my favourite tracks from the album. The track has a great power about it, a driving force of a guitar riff which really cuts deep with great impact. Another track of similar energy and power is that of 'Summer Shudder'. There is just something about the track that makes it stand out to me, and every time I listen to it I smile. 'Summer Shudder' is complete with the most amazing of choruses, and the verses progress the track beautifully. The guitar riffs are powerfully impressive, whilst the vocals are highly refined and possess a great grace. Everything about the track seems to fit together perfectly, making for the most wonderful of listening experiences.
One thing I do not like about the 'Decemberunderground' album from AFI is that at times it actually borders on boring. At times the music is beautifully crafted, whilst at others it has no impact whatsoever and even though it is soothing to listen to, it is easily soon forgotten. Some of the tracks just seem to lack any real substance, and I feel that 'The Interview' is a prime example of this. The track is well constructed and the vocals of Davey Havok come across well, it is just not at all the AFI that I have come to know and love in the past. There are elements of great promise and yet the track just does not deliver, it falls flat and is far too lightweight an offering for my liking. AFI sound their best when they are at their most hard hitting, hearing them produce music that is devoid of any real power just does not sit right with me. 'Love Like Winter' follows on from this track and is also lacking in any real fire power. Whilst this is not true of the whole album, the fact that some of the tracks on this release are so weak does make for quite disappointing listening at times.
It should be noted that it's not all doom and gloom with this album, not all the tracks are lacklustre and some are actually greatly impressive. The aforementioned 'Summer Shudder' and 'Kill Caustic' are definitely the highlights, however the top quality of the music does not stop here. '37mm' is another excellent track and comes quite late on in the album. It is quite slow paced, however it is greatly effective and never fails to bring a smile to my face. 'Rabbits Are Roadkill on Rt. 37' is another track that springs to mind. The title is probably greater than the track, however it is quite an enjoyable number nonetheless. It is only towards the end of this track that things start looking up however, there is somewhat of a hardcore outburst that always pleases me to hear, and from then on the track has a great deal of energy and life about it. Throughout much of the track it's quite an average and unspectacular affair, the band plod through but you always feel the track is leading up to something, and of course it is.
What I never understand about this album was the decision to include 'Head Like A Hole' as a bonus track. Admittedly it's an excellent cover of the Nine Inch Nails song, but certainly sounds quite bizarre on an album that for the most part it greatly laid back and extremely low on aggression. I do greatly enjoy this cover track, it just doesn't really fit in with the general theme of this album. It is quite raw, the vocals are spat out, and the guitar riffs come thundering through at a great pace. I have no complaints with the track itself, just why the band saw it fit to include a track as a bonus that sounds so out of place and uncomfortable placed right at the back end of the album.
'Decemberunderground' is not the best album in the world, however it is a competent offering from AFI nonetheless. It is my least favourite of all the albums that the band have released, but even still there are a number of tracks here that I hold in extremely high regard. 'Kill Caustic' and 'Summer Shudder' for example are brilliant tracks that are up there amongst the best that the band have ever written, but some of the albums tracks lack any real power and are therefore soon forgotten and not at all great to listen to. This said, it is only really 'Miss Murder' that I dislike from this album, and even when the band are not particularly hard hitting here, the music still sounds pretty good even if it does make you feel a little sleepy. I feel that the only way to describe some of the tracks some this album would be as 'lullaby music', tracks that are brilliant for sending your children to sleep, but don't make for a particularly exciting listening experience. I would recommend this album in part in that there are a number of excellent tracks present, but at the same time there are just too many weak tracks here to ignore. A number of the tracks fail to ignite and in truth this detracts from the overall enjoyment that can be gained from listening to this album. Tim Burton could no doubt utilise many of the albums tracks in any one of his magically enchanting films, but as a rock album 'Decemberunderground' is not greatly effective.
Advantages: Good music, Perfect music if you are either Emo or Hardcore Disadvantages: May not be your cup of tea, It differs from artists other albums
AFI are a Punk Rock band who started in 1991. I have never been a fan of AFI until AFI appeared on Guitar Hero 3 with the song Miss Murder. I just love this song and that's mainly why I bought this album so I could listen to the song Miss Murder however I have been pleasantly surprised. When I first started listening to the album I found that the album was over all average and I enjoyed listening it because I like it and it's my type of music that ... ...first song and the length of the song is short only lasting 1:34. This song took a little listening to get used to however I do like this song and find it a really nice introduction. 7/10 "Kill Causic" The start of the song flows really well from the song "Prelude 12/21". I really like this song I love the tune and the lyrics stick in your head. The song is really enjoyable to listen to. 9/10 "Miss Murder" Wow what can I say, this is the whole reason ...
doubleheman 12.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Decemberunderground - AFI
Advantages: new sound, good songs, long album, very diverse Disadvantages: album artwork could be better
As most AFI fans will know, AFI tends to change themes and styles with every album they release. From Answer That and Stay Fashionable and Very Pround of Ya to Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes to Black Sails In The Sunset to The Art Of Drowning to Sing The Sorrow to this, Decemberunderground. Once again, a massive change can be seen in the music as well as the bands image (mainly Davey Havok). There is more of an electronic feel to this album, ... ...project. There are definitely elements of the old AFI in this album, for exaple Kiss And Control does have sound roots from Sing The Sorrow. However, new songs such as Love Like Winter bring a more relaxed feel to the album.
The song titles appear to have nothing to do with the song itself, however, in some deep meaningful way, they do. My thoughts are how they link together. For example, Love Like Winter could be about Davey's break up, and how ...
Yiazmat 20.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Decemberunderground - AFI
Advantages: It's AFI! Disadvantages: Not enough tracks!
'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'. ... ...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. The album cannot really compare to any of AFI's other albums. 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' ...
Claire230590 10.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Decemberunderground - AFI
Advantages: Some good songs Disadvantages: good songs heavily outnumberd by rubbish
the new afi album is a far cry from their older stuff. if you're a fan of Sing The Sorrow then this will probably be your kind of thing. But if you've been a fan for years, then tick to their older stuff, theyve taken on a new more 'emo' personna. There are however a few good tracks, but you wouldent notice this from the utter rubbish they seem to be releasing as single. 'Kill Caustic' and 'Affliction' are pretty good tracks, quite heavy for afi, ... ...punk. There are guest vocals from the singer from bleeding through on this album somewhere, but it is not specified where. the first of the two bonus tracks 'rabbits are roadkill' is not that good but the cover of Nine Inch Nails 'head like a hole' is pretty damn good.
So in conclusion buy this album if your into the new 'pop punk emo' fad. but if youve been an AFI fan since before 'Sing The Sorrow' then you will probobly not enjoy this album as ...
storm_12345 11.12.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Decemberunderground - AFI
Advantages: Diverse vocals, excellent songs Disadvantages: none
When my friend played Miss Murder for me for the first time, I wasn't very impressed. When she gave me the album to listen to, it grew on me some. When she dragged me along to see AFI live, it blew me away.
Listening to this album after seeing the band live was a whole new experience. When you see the energy and passion that Davey Havok puts into his music then it takes on a different feel.
I think AFI sound different to any other band. They write ... ...just stunning. There is an incredible clarity and depth to the vocals that I just don't think any other band can compete with. And the lyrics are intelligent and meaningful, which to me, is a big plus. There are some excellent songs on this album. They range from the loud and fast Nine Inch Nails cover 'Head Like a Hole' to the soft and beautiful 'Summer Shudder' with Davey's vocals, as ever, veering from sweet and angelic, to screaming. I love this ...
jenny147 18.07.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Decemberunderground - AFI
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Quality and consistency...
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Reviews which might be of interest for "Decemberunderground - AFI"
Advantages: Up Beat, orginal Disadvantages: Similar style throughout
This is an early album from a now fairly mainstream band that have switched from Nitro records to Interscope. This album was produced while with Nitro and so this means that the mix is not as good as it is with Interscope, but it is still professional and this may be a side effect of the very packed/fast songs that this album contains. This is nothing like the new AFI, yes it is the same band, but this music is a very different genre. I had this album before the new stuff and so this is "real" AFI to me, but to you it may be not to your liking.
The style of music is slightly screamo with very fast punky drum beats and simple but catchy riffs. The occaisional slow song breaks up the album and shows more decemberunderground/sing the sorrow-like AFI. I enjoy this album a lot because it shows the band before they had really made it that ...
Advantages: Fast, Hard, Harsh and Melodic all at once Disadvantages: CD misses out on Vinyl Only 'A Winters Tale'
played week after week in alternative club nights for years that really matter, and for this the track 'Days of The Pheonix' will be just one of those songs which helps to define the alt. music scene at the turn on the century., whilst tracks such as 'Ever & a Day' ,' Wester' and 'Morningstar' are also outstanding, although I find it very hard to pick just these 4 tracks, as every single track on this album is just phenominal.
In short, if you think you like AFI but havent heard anything pre Sing The Sorrow, or even Pre-Decemberunderground
Buy This
It wont be what you're expecting, but you will wonder why this has bene missing from your life.
As for anybody else, I find it very hard to play this CDD to ANYONE, even the most unlikely suspect, and recieve a truly negative bit of feedback.
This is an underrated classic ...
Product Information for "Decemberunderground - AFI" »
Product details
Title
Decemberunderground
Performer
AFI
Genre
Hardcore & Punk
Release Date
29/05/2006
Recomended Retail Price
12.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2006
Label / Distributor
Polydor / Universal Music
Engineer
Seth Waldmann; Jason Grossman; Kevi
Producer
Jerry Finn; Butch Vig
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
602498586433
Catalogue Number
9858643
Additional notes
Album Notes
AFI: Davey Havok (vocals); Jade Puget (guitar); Hunter (bass guitar); Adam Carson (drums). On its seventh full-length album, AFI (A Fire Inside) reunites with renowned producer Jerry Finn for a strikingly dynamic outing that builds on its highly successful predecessor, SING THE SORROW. While the California-based goth-influenced band still excels at hard-edged punk-pop, as best revealed on the catchy anthem "Miss Murder," it also makes impressive forays into techno-tinged rock on the surging "Love Like Winter" and the brooding, Depeche Mode-like "37mm." Although DECEMBERUNDERGROUND's few "screamo" moments prove to be a bit distracting, particularly on "Kill Caustic" and "Afflication," they reinforce both frontman Davey Havok's vocal range and the group's willingness to journey around the stylistic map, resulting in a bold, assured record.
Album Reviews
Rolling Stone (p.91) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]here are moments on DECMBERUNDERGROUND that are poppier than anything AFI have ever done....A thoroughly enjoyable album to listen to..." Spin (p.81) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "DECEMBERUNDERGROUND sounds terrific....[It] has enough catchy refrains to make it a summer favorite for anyone looking to work out their aggressions."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Prelude 12/21
2.
Kill Caustic
3.
Miss Murder
4.
Summer Shudder
5.
Interview
6.
Love Like Winter
7.
Affliction
8.
Missing Frame
9.
Kiss And Control
10.
Killing Lights
11.
37mm
12.
Endlessly She Said
13.
Rabbits Are Roadkill On Rt 37 (bonus track)
14.
Head Like A Hole (bonus track)
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