Decemberunderground

DECEMBERUNDERGROUND is a time and a place. It is a community of those detached and disillusioned who flee to love, like winter, in the recesses below the rest of the world. This is the vivid description given by Davey Havok, the frontman of the band AFI, about their seventh album, which shares the same title.

The journey of AFI can be traced back to 1991, when Davey Havok and Adam Carson formed the band in Ukiah, California, and released their debut split 7" the following year. Over the years, they have evolved from their youthful, exuberant East Bay hardcore/punk roots to a more ambitious and diverse sound, culminating in their 2003 album, Sing the Sorrow.

Sing the Sorrow was a significant milestone for the band, co-produced by the acclaimed Jerry Finn and Butch Vig, and showcasing their ability to blend infectious pop moments with dark, anguished choruses and virtuosic musicianship. The album's success, including over a million copies sold in the US and critical acclaim, brought AFI their first mainstream recognition, including an MTV2 Viewers Choice Award and recognition from prestigious publications.

This success, however, did not come without its challenges. As the band transitioned to a major label, they faced the rumble of disenchanted fans, who feared their change in sound. But as Jade, the band's guitarist, notes, "A big part of our relationship with our fans is that we do change with every record. It's expected and embraced."

With DECEMBERUNDERGROUND, AFI set out to create their most accomplished and labor-intensive work to date. Produced once again by Jerry Finn, the album showcases the band's evolution, seamlessly blending their trademark punk and goth influences with a newfound retro '80s aesthetic, as heard in tracks like "Miss Murder" and "Love Like Winter."

The opening track, "Prelude 12/21," sets the tone with its upbeat handclaps, strings, and glam-rock stomp, a sharp contrast to the band's early "Cookie Monster metal" territory. "The Interview" even sees Davey Havok venturing into crooning a lighter-waving epic, further expanding the band's musical palette.

Despite the occasional nod to their roots, DECEMBERUNDERGROUND is an ambitious and diverse offering, reflecting the band's commitment to their craft and their willingness to push the boundaries of their sound. As Jade reflects, "We spent a long time writing it. We refused to rush ourselves. We took our time not just on every song but on each guitar part, each vocal, each bass line."

This meticulous approach has paid off, as Davey Havok expresses confidence that the album "should break us out of any preconceived genres." And with the continued support of their dedicated fan base, The Despair Faction, who actively engage with the band, AFI invites both longtime followers and newcomers to experience their most accomplished work to date.

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