AFI

Editor's Review:

AFI will never have to worry about writing the same song twice. Whenever they find themselves staring into the void of dwindling creativity, they can always reinvent their style, which they've done an admirable job of with their latest release. Granted, while the sound is still vintage AFI - solid hardcore with meaty bass hooks, morose lyrics and theatrical wailing - Sing the Sorrow is an undeniable departure from their earlier style. This effort is produced by Garbage's Butch Vig, whose track record includes work with Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. His influence on the album is unavoidable, but it's a refreshing addition. Vig's distinctive production hits you right in the chest and compliments the melodic hardcore AFI is known for, but the affair takes an unusual direction.
That's right, folks: AFI has grown up, and in the process become even more dramatic. Cellos, a choir and even a vocoder can all be found on this album. Gone are the Misfits covers and hardcore thrashers that characterized past releases. The piano-laced "Girl's Not Grey" is a standout, with its punchy rhythm and melodic melancholy. Davey Havok's voice is in fine shape, too; his overwrought howl has never sounded as powerful as it does now. But in writing songs that are over 15 minutes long, as witnessed in the closer "…but home is nowhere," the album sacrifices focus and cohesion. Their new style, in all its ambitious glory, isn't unwelcome. It just might be a bit much for longtime fans.

- Raphael di Donato

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Record Label DreamWorks Released March 2003

Tracks Miseria Cantare- The Beginning The Leaving Song Pt. II Bleed Black Silver and Cold Dancing Through Sunday Girl's Not Grey Death of Seasons The Great Disappointment Paper Airplanes (makeshift wings) This Celluloid Dream The Leaving Song …but home is nowhere