AFI - Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Eyes

AFI - Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Eyes

AFI have taken an entirely different approach to this album from their first two releases. While Very Proud Of Ya and Answer That And Stay Fashionable were generally lighthearted melodic punk albums, harmless, and airing on the side of generic, this album blends the melodic elements with a much more aggressive style of music and darker lyrics. While some of the themes are the lighthearted real world issues (like fame and friendships) there's a lot of exploration into more existential and romanticized themes. 

This album is definitely a hardcore punk album through and through. While it's solid all around it's a bit too over zealous it's aggression. It comes at you quickly and feels like it's over too soon. That said there are plenty of standout songs. In particular the song A Single Second which features Nick 13 from Psychobilly band Tiger Army. They did an amazing job covering the song Today's Lesson as well although Davey Havok cracking vocals sometimes take away from it. The song The Devil Loves You is pure and raw rage, it's intense in a good way. They also explore a bit outside the punk genre with some grooves and riffs.

It's a solid addition to the AFI discography altogether, but nothing to really draw in anyone who isn't already a fan. Fans of pure hardcore may find it a little lacking and juvenile, melodic punk fans will miss the melodies and choruses of the past. It's worth a listen either way and it does grow on you.