AFI- Decemberunderground

In 2006, AFI released Decemberunderground. It is their seventh album, and most commercially successful.

Before we dive into the album, it is interesting to note that AFI don't refer to themselves as "emo" (perhaps due to the stigma attached?). I would go with goth-punk, however the band also don't like this tag, and refer to themselves as "post-hardcore".

Let's get the bad news out of the way first. Goth-punk ballads aren't my cup of tea, so that rules out The Interview and Kiss and Control. Similarly, when this music takes on an electro edge, ala 37mm, I find it emotionally distant.

The songs that I do like are probably much to the annoyance of real AFI fans! Love Like Winter is nicely catchy pop-rock. The chorus is great, however the verses are feel like they're only there to fil the gaps. Miss Murder is similar, but in another league. Pop-rock perfection! Particular highlights are the swinging beat, guitar riffs and uplifting chorus.

A quick mention of the recording quality: it's quite highly processed, but a fine example of polished electro pop-rock, much like Garbage's Bleed Like Me.

I really like the energy of their high-tempo songs (Kill Caustic and Affliction). Unfortunately the trade-off is some screamo vocals, however its occasional enough that I can overlook it.

Summer Shudder works for me on a superficial level as mid-paced rock background music. Closer listening would probably reveal a generic and over-produced song, but let's not go there! The "under the solar rain" refrain is a highlight for me.

The lyrics for many of the songs on this album don't give me any sense of narrative, they are merely a collection of phrases tied together with music. A prime example is the pop-rock The Missing Frame. Lyrics don't speak to me at all. The Killing Lights is also quite superficial, but it is super catchy and energetic.

Endlessly She Said is a ballad that I actually like, which is a huge achievement. I think its appeal is due to the lyrics of the chorus and the nice contrast provided by the female singer at the end.

Favourite songs

Miss Murder, Love Like Winter, Endlessly She Said 

Wortwhile?

Yes, in a strange way. It's probably quite insulting to consider emo/goth-punk/post-hardcore as background rock "muzak", but that's how I enjoy it this album.