I can see why some of AOF fans are disappointed -- in that the band evolves into a more grown up sound with this album. But for us fans who are also growing up, what a treat! This is their best album since their self-titled debut. We all loved George Pettit's screaming at first but it would have gotten old and tired if that's all that this band was able to give us... and they realize this. The band manages to stay true to their loud roots but pushing the sound in many different directions -- shades of U2, of Tool, of At the Drive-In... makes for terribly interesting listening. And damn good music to rock out to, too!
I really liked alexisonfire but their latest album almost sounds like they died and were reborn as rise against. The songs are drab and uninspiring and lack any real appeal. Where the hell are the mean guitar licks?!?!?!? When I listen to the album it's hard for me to imagine that this is the same band that created such awesome songs like .44 caliber love letter, or no transitory. I don't know, maybe I'm a minority in thinking this but I rather have the old alexisonfire.
I've listened to EVERYTHING Alexisonfire has had to offer. Their debut, Watch Out!, Crisis, their Switcheroo with Moneen and their newest front, Dogs Blood.
Before anything, I'm going to say that I'm not blindly attached to anything (as some other fans are going on about the band selling out or being too different)
Bands change. Times change. You deal with it.
Onto the album.
Track #1: Old Crows
Fantastic opener! Great guitar riffs and the noticeably different vocal style of lead vocalist George Pettit. (I'll go into George's vocals later.) This song also features excellent and cohesive drumming from Jordan "Ratbeard" Hastings. Wade MacNeil also contributes great vocals here. Just a simple great opening for the album. 8/10
Track #2: Young Cardinals
HERE WE GO. This will definitely be one of the songs you will listen to on repeat or abuse the rewind button for. Excellent and I mean EXCELLENT instruments (the solo near the end is very haunting and very well done.) and showcases Dallas Green's flawless vocals quite brilliantly. Intriguing lyrics are harshly delivered by George Pettit in a great performance that is sure to be remembered. 9/10
Track #3: Sons of Privilege
We're on the right path with brilliant track placement. The excitement after Young Cardinals doesn't stop as Sons of Privilege opens with an intense, crescendoing guitar track. Then it bursts into an intense melodic-fest as Pettit's vocals come in. The chorus is EXCELLENTLY delivered by Pettit, Green and MacNeil. A great number that's very catchy! 9/10
Track #4: Born and Raised
What may be the best song on the album is definitely one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. Incredible lyrics that are thought provoking follow the intense opening riff as Pettit releases the emotions of confusion and wonderment. Dallas Green's vocals are definitely the highlight here. They are MAGNIFICENT. FLAWLESS, even. The pre-chorus is incredibly delivered ("I've lost all direction, I've lost all my direction and now I wish that I would've believed, could've believed..") and following George's background screams ("RETREAT RETREAT, ESCAPE ESCAPE") it soon leads into one of the most rhythmic and catchy choruses they've come up with. It's really one of those "have to hear it to believe it" types of songs. Just fantastic! 11/10
Track #5: No Rest
A great, harsh track on the album. The riff is undeniably catchy! I cannot rave much about this song as much as say it is a great song to listen to. George and Wade's vocals are GREAT when put together. 8/10
Track #6: The Northern
The album slows down its fast-paced rate and churns out a great and haunting little melody with "The Northern". The lyrics are dark and very interesting to listen to and make odds and ends of. George and Dallas clash vocals incredibly here. 7/10
Track #7: Midnight Regulations
We're up to moderate speed now! Midnight Regulations is an interesting tune to me. Dallas Green leads the opening vocal melodies as George Pettit follows suit with a few lines. Very cohesive and well put together song with the guitars being rhythmic and complimentary to the vocals. The drums help create a sonic backbone. Good number. 8/10
Track #8: Emerald Street
We are fast paced once again! The guitars are fast as they match George Pettit's incredible (and fast) grunge-like melodies. Dallas Green once again provides an excellent melody along with Wade MacNeil as Green's shadow when it comes to harmonizing vocals and guitars. Chris Steele's bass is what's noticed in the verses along with Hasting's incredible drumming talent. A very good song and one of my favorites from the album. Everything about it speaks well-written. 10/10
Track #9: Heading For The Sun
YES!!! I love this song because of how impressively it jumps into the melody with Dallas' vocals and the guitars. The lyrics are DEFINITELY some of the best on the album. Their meanings once again thought-provoking. The drums and bass once again providing backbone to MacNeil and Green's dual guitars and Pettit's harsh delivery. 9/10
Track #10: Accept Crime
Dark and gritty. Harsh guitars match incredibly sharp vocals (EVERYBODY ON THE COUNT OF 3, ACCEPT CRIME, 1, 2, 3!!!!) that are incredibly murky and you can almost feel the darkness begin to wipe off on you. Incredible song with an incredible line that is one of my favorites (There is no police between two beating hearts.) of any album Alexisonfire as put out. 9/10
Track #11: Burial
Incredibly slowed down and mellow track. It has organs with pulsing drums and a dissonant lead guitar followed by Green's lush and commanding vocals. It's depressing and features supreme songwriting and musicianship by the five we've all come to love. A great outro, in my opinion. However, Alexisonfire's debut album still has the reigning champion of outros with "Pulmonary Archery". 8/10
Okay, so that was my track-by-track review. Let me talk about George Pettit's vocals really quickly. Yes, he changed his style. It's very different from the anguish-fueled near-incomprehensible screams from the debut, but George Pettit has not changed respect-wise. He is still a great musician and has actually, in my opinion, become more clear and this allows him to deliver his incredible lyrics with a newfound clarity and emotion that we have never seen before.
Old Crows/Young Cardinals is the album I have been waiting for...for a long time. Props Alexisonfire for being the band that's always been there and provided masterful and flawless music. I salute.
Album Total
5/5 - Masterpiece
If your a huge fan and not very open minded then you will hate this album dont get it. But if ur open to something new and just absolutely love Dallas Greens vocals then I'd say give it a try.. First off they made a Drastic change when the screamer decided to no longer scream but to do more of a very raspy yelling. It kinda made me sick at first and they dont sound like Alexisonfire. But at the same time Dallas Green still throws out his voice like there is no tomorrow and his lines are what makes this album good. Once you open up to it and stop hating the huge change u get used to the raspy yelling and its actually kinda enjoyable at times. My friends think I'm nuts for liking this album. But like i said if your open minded give it a try and its a great album. but not recommended for long time fans of Alexisonfire.
I enjoyed this cd a lot. I think they should have went with old crows as their first single though. Dallas green still sounds great and I'm waiting for him to bring out another solo album. This band definitely gets better with age. Very recommended.
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