by Tracy Heck

Created on: October 05, 2009

Over the years AFI has changed their sound and lineup numerous times but they have always stayed true to their gothic roots. However, 2006's Decemberunderground went a bit too far for many of their hardcore fans while broadening their mainstream appeal at the same time.

Decemberunderground had more of a electronic feel to it and got more radio airplay but it alienated many of the band's hardcore punk fans.

For Crash Love, the band decided to move away from the electronic feel and have found a way to return to their roots while still creating some new appealing sounds.

The album is both a step back and forward. At times some of the songs sound like they could have easily been included on 2003's Sing the Sorrow but on other songs AFI brings fresh new sounds to their tales of misery, death, love and self-destruction.

Crash Love opens with the haunting Torch Song, "I saw you. Angels came to light your path. I heard you keep their wings pressed under glass." The song has a beautiful melody with fading dissonant sounds that draws the listener in.

The album moves on to the single Beautiful Thieves, which kicks things up a notch as it explodes into a loud chorus. "Oh! If we run this light. Take a little life. No one will care at all." The song's lyrics do a great job of showcasing the indifference of the world around us.

End Transmission is a standout track that has a 80's punk feel to it. Lead singer Davey Havok does a great job of using his voice to coincide with the emotion of the strong guitar, piano and bassline work. The song is built around the tale of a night time car ride that ends in a possible murder/suicide, "We'll burn against the morning sun. Go grab your bag, I'll bring the gun."

The beats continue with the fast paced Too Shy To Scream, "I'd die if you'd only met my eyes before you pass by. Will you pause to break my heart?" The song is a relatable one as it speaks of the pain of being obsessed with someone who you know would only hurt you in the end.

Veronica Sawyer Smokes is a beautifully layered track that descibes the pain of realizing the difference of fact and fiction, "I was too touched to see you clearly. Far too young to realize I had loved so dearly you, whose world I had designed."

Ok, I Feel Better Now is a highlight moment for guitarist Jade Puget, whose continuously changing chords help build to the songs climax. "I cannot breathe. I can't deny I've been faking for you every sign of life."

Medicate is the first single released

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