AFI — Decemberunderground

Right from the almost hip-hop beat on the opening track, you know AFI have taken yet another step away from their goth-punk roots. As Davey Havok screams more powerfully than he ever has on "Kill Caustic," it appears the quartet have dropped the gloom and kicked up the anger, making Decemberunderground their most upbeat album to date. The LP is more in tune with screamo bands like My Chemical Romance, but AFI's songwriting expertise far surpasses that of their contemporaries, as there are some staggeringly beautiful moments, such as the organ outro on "The Interview." It's not quite as operatic in scope as Sing The Sorrow, nor is it as densely layered. The simplified approach pays off in some areas and disappoints in others. The songs are catchier, but they sacrifice the transcendental styles and concepts Sing The Sorrow introduced. Fans who appreciate AFI's consistent growth will feel right at home with Decemberunderground.

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