AFI, Aurelia | Track Review 🎵

Goth-rock vets AFI return with AFI (The Blood Album), their first album since 2013. “Aurelia” marks the third advance single.

It’s hard to believe that AFI has been around since the 1990s.  Alas, it’s true. The Cali band returns after a four-year hiatus with AFI (The Blood Album).  The band has experienced minor success over the years, earning two platinum-certified albums. Four singles were released ahead of The Blood Album.  “Aurelia” was the third pre-release single from The Blood Album.

On “Aurelia,” AFI does a superb job of establishing darkness.  Featuring a superb groove, “Aurelia” makes the listener nod their head from the start.  It’s infectious, regardless of its musical hellishness. The best lyric recurs throughout the song, iterated three times: “They’re barking in the wrong key.” There is extraordinary power Love the power behind the signature lyric. An excellent drum run is distinctive upon the end of the second verse. “And you sing along,” lyrically represents that high-flying moment. The bridge builds off the soaring momentum of the second verse.  It’s a ball of energy:

“Can you see at night?
We can see at night
And we’re barking in the wrong key
And you sing along.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Aurelia” is effective because it embraces the goth-driven sound of the band. Even at 41, Havok has still got the edge and vigor to nail a record like this one convincingly.

AFI • AFI (The Blood Album) • Concord • Release: 1.20.17 

Photo Credit: Concord