By John Ruffino (April 3, 2003)

AFI released their new cd entitled "Sing the Sorrow" on Tuesday, March 11. Original AFI fans may have seen it as their duty to buy this cd even though they are unsure as to whether they like the path the band has taken. There are several downfalls to this album that people are unhappy with. 

The band has assumed a new sound on "Sing the Sorrow," very different to past classic releases such as "Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes," and the extremely powerful "Black Sails in the Sunset." The new sound is very "radio-friendly," which is a severe turnoff to the cult followers AFI has. "Sing the Sorrow" features synthesizers and drum-machines, which have unfortunately become a new AFI tradition, and which cause the songs to sound like a Punk/Hardcore album was accidentally mixed with a Techno DJ.

The fact that the sound of this album is "radio-friendly" has turned people off to it due to the radio industry’s fixation on playing a narrow-variety of bands that sound dully alike. Many people are unhappy with the type of new fans, they believe the new fans don’t stand for what AFI stands for, just the fact that it’s on the radio and "cool."

"When you’re playing a style of music that doesn’t really fit anywhere, you run a risk. You’re challenging people to leave their niche, to leave predetermined ideas of what they’re supposed to like. Luckily we have a lot of people who just focus on the music and appreciate us for what we are. So we get fans from all different genres of music, the jocks, the spooky kids, skaters, college kids, punk rockers, hardcore kids, metal kids, all that," says AFI singer Davey Havok. The reality of this quote is that AFI does have a following of people who listen to different genres; however, the amount of groups is so extensive that it could severely hurt them in the long run. People who "belong" to specific genres like to defend their genre against that of others, and people of certain genres sport it by dress and attitude. Many people will argue over AFI’s genre and it will only cause problems among the fanbase

AFI’s interesting history and powerful live performances have built them an unbreakable foundation, even if the new album isn’t accepted with open arms by all of the band’s original fans. AFI was formed by Adam Carson (drums), Jade Puget (guitars), Hunter Bergen (bass), and Davey Havok (vocals), while in a California High School. The band ceased to be when the four went off to college, however, during a college break they gathered to play a local show and due to the overwhelming acceptance, the members decided to quit school and pursue a musical career.

If you have extra money you might want to check this CD out, but personally I wouldn’t. Spend your money on the true AFI by buying amazing albums such as "Very Proud of Ya," "Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes," and my two personal favorites "All Hallow’s E.P." and "Black Sails in the Sunset."

Visit the AFI website:
www.afireinside.com