AFI
“DECEMBERUNDERGROUND”
RATING: 3 SOUND LEVELS
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The pop-hardcore melange of AFI is bizarrely addictive. In songs such as “Affliction,” it’s not unusual for singer Davey Havok to rip into a Green Day lick-and-a-snarl right after screaming his poor little emo heart out. Then he’ll stamp his own melodic imprint on postpunk in “The Killing Lights” without flinching. Havok and the gang’s unusual mix is overdramatic, yes, but it’s also artfully presented and expertly produced. The disc has a grandiose sound, and “Prelude 12/21” is the ideal track-1 scene-setter. This down-tempo track isn’t an indicator of what’s to come: track 2, “Kill Caustic,” is a screeching punk rager. It’s a moody backhand to wake you up and remind you that you never know what havoc will come from Havok.