AFI - Decemberunderground (CD 2006)

If you're not a long-term AFI fan, a bit like me, then there's a good chance you'll really like this record. Without having much prior knowledge of the band to compare it, 'Decemberunderground' is one of those records that will go on to have mainstream success and, in the process, piss off all those people who have been with the band since the start. This sounds like a major label record, it looks like a major label record and, I feel, it will probably have sales fit for a major too.

I was a late starter to camp AFI, really only picking up on the band with any significance on the last record. Having always been aware of them, and how they sounded, I just never got into them - they were one of those bands I neither liked or disliked. However, having heard a few good things last time out and enjoyed single 'Miss Murder', I splashed the cash and picked this up on release date - and I'm glad I did. The production is really thick and Davey Havok's voice sounds good; there's less shouting and screaming than older fans would like I'm sure, and some of the songs seem a little toned down from what I would expect. But this is a major label band now and, taking this at face value, you'd have to expect things to be catchier and more melodic.

Despite that, 'Decemberunderground' starts off ferociously. 'Prelude' whispers atmospherically, while 'Kill Caustic' sets off like a bull in a China shop. It actually doesn't really set a tone and follow it - the rest of the album barely reaches this level of aggression and it kind of lulls you into a false sense that 'December...' will be a return to the band's roots. 'Miss Murder' has really split fans down the middle, and while I like it, I can see why other fans wouldn't.

From here though, the band slow things down a bit and show a newer side they showed glimpses of on the last record. 'Summer Shudder' and 'Love Like Winter' are both belters, while 'The Missing Frame' sounds huge. There are plenty of good songs here, which is reflected in the score i have given this record. However, I could empathise with those older fans who slate this record for being aimed at a different market. It doesn't mean I wholly agree with their sentiments, but over the years AFI have changed/developed/grown/matured. Taken for what it is, this is a very solid and enjoyable record and I feel sales will ultimately reflect that in time.