AFI – Bodies

Legendary alternative band AFI came out of the 90s like a cannonball. The band, led by the enigmatic Davey Havok, strutted their punk songs confidently, with energy to spare, and majestic stories to tell. Their first 3 albums oozed punk sounds, ragged guitar strokes and crashing lyricism symbolising the state of decay, but that all changed when the act experimented, when they infused the template with alternative symphonies. This ultimately was a revelation, and the band has not looked back since.

Though the sound may be altered, there are still elements of fast punk rock burgeoning in between the lines. The band does not want to be labelled or pigeonholed either; they want their sound to be a guide into fantasies, into the core of diversity and magic. With their record Bodies, the act predominantly changes the landscape of their work, and it is riveting. Many fans may disband from the band’s workings, they may feel shortchanged, but band’s need to grow or it all becomes monotonous. And Bodies takes on many faces. It is abrupt; it is different. The concept is dark like a night in the seediness of LA. It also needs to be listened to carefully to be understood. Havok sounds rejuvenated though, and Jade Puget’s guitar wizardly is as technical as ever.   

“Twisted Tongues” starts the record slowly and then the burst of guitars and percussion rapidly adjusts the song. Havok sounds emotional here, singing through hurt. It is a commanding opening. “On Your Back” shows off the new, impactful sound, generating a melancholic vibe. Havok again sounds distressed, and those volatile drumbeats add stability from Adam Carson. “Escape From Los Angeles” shows Havok’s vocal range impeccably, and the lyrics describe the dirty and unkempt parts of LA. “No Eyes” is a punk track brought into the modern age, and Havok sings broodingly. It is a masterful song with a sharp chorus.

Bodies is a good record with commanding riffs and lyrics that tell tales like a tour de force novel. For some it may not be the album they expected, but too many it will be a solid compendium to add to the collection.

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