To those of you who are unaware, I'm one of the biggest AFI fans you'll ever meet...almost fanatical, if you will.
[I currently sport Davey Havok's autograph on my right forearm (after meeting him for a 21st birthday present) and the classic AFI gravestones from "All Hallows Eve" tattooed on the right side of my skull.]

Over the past couple years (well, since "Sing the Sorrows"), AFI has gotten more flack than is deserved. It is true that the sound has changed from their ever-loved fun punk rock albums to the newer, almost emo, sound.  I'd like to attribute alot of that to both the band maturing and to the creative influence Jade Pudget holds on the band. I am a firm believer, if it werent for Jade, we wouldnt' have suffered the "wuss rock" we did in "Decemberunderground".

But lets get down to the nitty gritty on "Crash Love" shall we?
Months, god, even a year before this album was released there were rumours upon rumours of it's release. About 100 random dates were thrown out into the media and kept leaving AFI fans disappointed and aggrivated. But September 29th hit, and it was on the shelves.  I excitedly (and with some skepticism) put it on for the first time. Everything was good...then we hit track #3- "End Transmission". I find it impossible to get into this song. I've tried, trust me, I've listened to it a good 100 times and still nothing.  I now find myself always skipping this track.

The two tracks to grab my attention and actually hold it are: #6-"Okay I feel better now" and #4-"Too shy to scream". Track #4 partially because of that absolutely undeniable bass & guitar that not matter what, is able to make you want to dance. Secondly because I actually enjoy the lyrics.

There's still a piece of me that longs for simpler times...songs like "File 13" (Very Proud of Ya), "I wanna get a mohawk" (Answer that and stay fashionable) and "Cereal wars" (also, Answer that and stay fashionable).
But all in all, I'll have to give this one a thumbs up. It's definately beat out "Decemberunderground" a hundred times over...though, "Miss Murder" was a damned catchy track...

I look forward to the show here in Calgary, December 19th @ The Big Four building.
 (Tickets still avaliable @ Megatunes w/Deluxe album- $60-taxes in.)
I'm sure their stage show will make me fall in love all over again.
And yes, I will be that girl standing outside the tour bus gripping her copy of the very first printing of "Answer that and stay fashionable" on red vinyl wanting an autograph.


Disclaimer:
This is souly the opinion of Sarafina Kaine and in no way is a representation of Megatunes Inc. as a whole.