“Watch Out” is the incredible new album by Alexisonfire. Anyone into the “post hardcore emo” scene who has not yet been swept off their feet by this band must be stood in setting concrete. This their second record in, continuing where their debut self titled release left off, with mad, passionate screaming, drilling, thrashy guitars, moody melodies and general chaos and havoc.
What I like about Alexisonfire, especially within this record is their ability to create so much atmosphere and tension within their songs. The melodic build ups within and mainly before certain songs can often go on for minutes, offering so much calm, before the band hurl themselves into screaming fits and huge, powerful riffs. Take for example track 7, probably my favourite track from this album, “Sharks and Danger.” The track begins with the telephone conversation and the general moody and peaceful effect, it lasts long enough to seduce you into thinking this track could remain at a slow tempo, before erupting into the carnage that Alexisonfire are re-known for creating. Other incredible tracks are the albums opener, “Accidents,” “It Was the Fear of Mystery That Made Me Odd,” and “Hey, It’s your Funeral Mama.”
Alexisonfire fans I think will most likely prefer the bands first effort to this record. Although this is undoubtedly shit hot, I do feel the debut album carried the upper hand as the band seemed more relaxed and the “inexperience” actually proved to make a better, rougher record, as opposed to this being quite polished and generally more professionally constructed. However, these guys are barely in their 20’s, to go marking them down on that would be ridiculous. It remains that “Watch Out” is definitely an album from a band to… erm……. watch out for.
Pete
www.theonlybandever.com
