Blaqk Audio Vow To Instigate Dancing In Rock Clubs

01/10/08 6:00pm

by Aisha Khan (CHARTattack)

Blaqk Audio, comprised of AFI lead singer Davey Havok and keyboardist Jade Puget, had critics stacked against them before their record even hit the shelves.

In a time when every rock star wants to be a DJ and every rock album has a crappy remixed counterpart, it's really no wonder that the idea of an electronic side project to AFI would be widely scoffed at. But Puget doesn't seem too concerned.

"We're not really worried about any polarizing effects on our fans. AFI fans are really dedicated, so we know the core fan base is going to support us."

Despite Puget's nonchalance, longtime AFI fans are vehemently divided over this project. Lead single "Cex Cells" boasts a synth-heavy sound reminiscent of Violator-era Depeche Mode, with maybe a smidgen of Nine Inch Nails' Pretty Hate Machine. Neither influence would probably mean much to the average mid-teen emo-punk. But Puget remains optimistic nonetheless.

"AFI is primarily a rock band with guitar-based music, and the last AFI record did incorporate a lot of electronic aspects. But Davey and I are sort of electronic purists and wanted to try this. It's purely an electronic band — no guitars, that's the criteria. It would be cool for kids who have decided that they don't really like electronic music to give it a proper chance through us."

Judging from the reception they received at their recent Mod Club debut in Toronto, the duo have done just that. With a sparse stage set-up of keyboards and laptop screens, Havok and Puget bounced through the whole album and ended on a cute note with a cover of Blur's "Girls And Boys." The crowd bounced right along with them.

Meanwhile, the rest of AFI are fully supportive and happily kicking back.

"I think they're actually pretty happy," says Puget. "We just came off a year-long tour with AFI, and Davey and I got straight into this. I'm sure they're enjoying their time off."

While Blaqk Audio aren't meant to replace AFI in any way, Puget insists that the album isn't a one-off experiment.

"The writing process tends to be such that I come up with an entire song on my own, and then Davey adds his melodic and vocal layers. I've got about 40 more Blaqk Audio songs ready to go, although the next thing on our plate is definitely another AFI record. Alternating between the two would be the ideal situation."