AFI Live
AFI
Vic Theatre, Chicago
Friday, July 7, 2006
When it comes to the notion of selling out, it’s a tired argument. More often than not, there’s no clear winner. In the case of AFI, however, it can be assumed the group are done performing for the niche crowd they once drew. It’s a fair bet the group have all but completely signed on to be a Beetlejuice-inspired pop band who retain little if any of the punk tendencies they may once have had. And while it can be argued whether that’s selling out or a natural artistic extension of the band’s growth, it can’t be argued that it’s getting them results.
Friday’s sold-out show at the Vic put AFI’s ridiculously overexaggerated goth sensibilities front and center. The group took the stage dressed almost entirely head to toe in white instead of black, to match the giant backdrop portraying a bleak winter landscape with dead, barren trees behind the enormous AFI logo. It probably would have been more effective as part of say, a winter tour — again, it’s so AFI to release an album called Decemberunderground at the beginning of summer. The focal point, however, was of course frontman/victim Davey Havok, who used every moment of stage time flailing about and falling to his knees all night in moments of calculated despair and desperation.
Throughout the night, the band’s set remained primarily focused on new material, mostly from Decemberunderground and 2003’s Sing The Sorrow. It meant all but completely ignoring the extensive — not to mention more independent — back catalog that earned the band their cult following in the first place. The problem with a set of all AFI’s recent power misery is everything is in the same vein as everything else. Hits like “Girls Not Grey” don’t come off as anything different from the 2006 model, “Miss Murder.” Ultimately, it made for a rather underwhelming overall experience.
That’s not to say there weren’t moments that were easy to enjoy, however guilty a pleasure they felt. Sorrow‘s closer, “But Home Is Nowhere,” is impossible to not get lost in, as the gothic-victim factor is turned up even higher than usual. And it’s hard to ignore the overwrought energy of “Death Of Seasons,” which gave Havok some of his better strained howling moments of the evening. The night’s great moment of overlooked irony, however, came during “Summer Shudder,” one of the stronger new songs, when Havok begged “Why must you be so miserable?” In a night of anthemic one-note power misery, it was as good a question as any to be asked.
But moments like that weren’t enough to avoid making the set feel far too long and predominantly single-minded. Worse still, much of AFI’s recent material is so similar it’s hard to maintain interest, much less a passionate sense of excitement, for anyone out of high school. It can’t be denied AFI — for all their dogged consistency — do manage to pull off some catchy hooks between all the faux-angst. But as long as they’re striving to be a Hot Topic soundtrack, there’s no real hope of doing any serious damage or making a lasting impression — live or otherwise. Then again, with a band like AFI, maybe no hope is all part of the package.
— Jaime de’Medici
Category: Live Reviews, Weekly
Your are certainly entitled to your opinion of AFI and Davey Havok. Your comments, however, are very disturbing and misleading. I was at the July 8,2006 show and it was excellent. AFI as a whole was brilliant and Davey Havok was exceptional. Clearly you are not informed about a band of AFI’s status. Demographics have no bounds with AFI. I believe if you did a little research you will be suprised. AFI is a band which has elevated to another level with time, and that is a natural extention of the band’s growth. Decemberunderground is a musical masterpiece.
I think that AFI has successful created a good album and should be very proud of themselves. This is one of their best if not their best. I can really understand how this album is about finding love. Although I miss the punk days and now AFI is more of goth punk but they still are very successful and should be recognized for it. I LOVE AFI.
AFI is turly amazing. i agree with Jade in sayin that AFI is successful. The DECEMBERUNDERGROUND is an amazing album (bought it 6.6.06) and i hope they do well in future albums
AFI is an amazing band that has developed it’s own unique style through time. DECEMBERUNDERGROUND’s AFI is certainly very different from the AFI we heard on “Answer that and stay fashionable” or “Very proud of ya'” but it’s been all part of it’s musical evolution. both the music and lyrics have turned into something way more complex and deep that what they used to be.
It’s not like you will just sit and listen through all the records once and then think you know enough about a band and write whatever comes to your mind. You’ve got to be able to get to the message and spirit of the album wich has been then same up to now.
why they released an album called “DECEMBERUNDERGROUND” in june is something someone who is not a true AFI fan would unerstand.
“DECEMBERUNDERGROUND” is a wonderful and very complete album and AFI is an incredible band that is yet to receive the credit they deserve and the succes they have had is just the result of who they are and what they play.
AFI is and outstanding band with alot of potential. I personally have been a fan for only a few weeks but I connot stop listeningMy fav album is Sing the Sorrow which only a true fan culd understand.
!!!!!!AFI TOTALLY ROCKS!!!!!!
I think that AFI has come a long way from their who punk scene to now somewhat alternative and some prefer goth style. I think that when Miss Murder hit the radio and MTV that people think they are goth or emo, but when you listen to Decemberunderground it is not as dark or goth as people think they are. I think that the album is about finding love. I think that AFI did an amazing job with the album. I am so happy that they can alter their type of music and all the fans stay. Which truely must be a gift to them. I will always stay with AFI. Davey is an amazing lyracist. Adam is an amazing drummer. Jade and Hunter are amazing on guitar. I am also so happy that they have already split up and reunited because most bands only do that after they make it and have only released 2 – 3 albums. I think that AFI has only just begun. I think they will be making albums for many more years and I hope that they continue to grow. I love AFI!!!! I wish them good luck with whatever they do.
Oh I just have to also mention that Davey Havok is the hottest guy in the world. Throughout my family each person has a favorite and I am inlove with Davey I have a collage on my wall of every picture that I could find. I love Davey Havok. He is amazing!!!!
I agree with Berserk!!! In order for you to know the band you would have to listen to all the albums and really understand the change. They dont want people to hear the same thing over and over again, like most other groups or artist. Yes it is a musical evolution. Every album they make will be a musical evolution. This band with each album creates a message and tries to release a certain vibe. To Becca, I hope that you continue to listen to AFI and I hope that you get some of their older albums like “very proud of ya”, “answer that and stay fashionable”,”shut your mouth and open your eyes”,”black sails in the sunset”,”art of drowning”, “retrospective”, and “alls hollow” and of course” decemberunderground”. that way you will understand them and where their going. The are truely amazing. I KNOW that AFI loves these comments and would only encourage you to listen to all their albums and go to their concerts.