Evolution in music is a funny topic. While we would all love for our artists to stay the same way they were when they first hit the scene; we all know deep down we would get bored with them after a while. Change is not a bad thing when done right, please note that there are some bands that did it horribly wrong. Completely reinventing yourself for a new album is a horrible idea and you as a band will loose a lot of credibility if you go from being a punk band to a dance band. If a band grows over time, taking new risks each album to keep it interesting, that is evolution done right. For a good example please note AFI's new album Crash Love.
AFI is an alternative band from California that formed in 1991. The band has released eight albums over the past eighteen years, the last three being the most notable. The band has had a solid lineup since 1998 and has grown to be a force to be considered and honored.
This band shows what musical evolution done right sounds like. The band never completely changed their sound, though each album in their long discography is not exactly like the one before it or the one after it. Crash Love is the latest entry in AFI's ever growing list of excellence and the album has a lot of hype to live up to.
"Medicate" is the lead off single from the album, and for good reason. The song is like an overture, showing off everything the band does right. The guitar melody and the bass are prevalent but do not overpower the vocals which are strong and moving. The backup vocals provide the extra punch to the build up to the chorus that takes the song to the next level. The bridge is a melodic break that takes the listener to a slower, spookier place. The song finishes strong with a relapse into the chorus and a guitar solo to take the listener out of the fury.
Up next is "End Transmission." This song has a more storytelling, slow build feel to it. The verses are very open, with the guitar laying out completely and the bass and drums pushing forward with the vocals carrying the melody. The song then explodes into a melodic chorus with the guitar returning to back the vocals with some light flourishes. The bottom drops out for the bridge, leaving the listener suspended for a second, only to be picked back up and thrust head first back through the chorus. The song dies out with just the vocals and the drums leading out at the last second.
On a different note is the slow "Darling I Want To Destroy You." This song is a break from the fury to slow things down and show off the vocal and melodic strength of the band. The choruses have soaring vocals and guitar swells, with the verses having moving rifts and low, somber vocals. It is a nice way for the band to show that they can ease up and still create good music.
Finally is the song "Beautiful Thieves." A moving piece of music, the song's verses are eery points with the guitar rifts and bass line both providing the undertone for the vocals to tell the story. The choruses are a chance for the band to let loose and show off their group vocals and for the lead line to shine. The bridge is a quick trip and musical build that leads back into a strong chorus.
Crash Love has more to offer than these few songs. The entire album is a strong chapter in the ever growing book that is AFI's success. The album might hurt some fan's feelings since it is a change from Decemberunderground, but they should remember that it was a change from Sing The Sorrows. I would recommend you go pick this up, be you a long time fan of AFI or be you a fan of good music.
Always Listening,
Nick
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