Review Summary: Alexisonfire change it up.
What’s wrong with the new Alexisonfire album? All of a sudden Alexisonfire’s music has grown up into something that’s almost its own genre. Backed by a screamo vocalist, melodic guitar riffs and loud metal tinges history, Alexisonfire have shed the old accessibility to mould their sound into what feels at times like an unintentional classic rock vibe. “Old Crows” starts the album with dirty bass crunch. “We are not the kids we used to be”, this new sound proving that statement. Gone is the scream of frontman George who decided to adopt a gruff punk vocal style in favour of the infamous scream.
Lead single “Young Cardinals”, initially comes as a shock with their new style in full display. With singer Dallas Green’s beautiful melodies in between harsh vocals and a spectacular instrumental break, the chorus proves to it be an easy potential favourite. “Sons of Privilege” another awesome track has beautiful in the face of society lyrics with a pleading “Sweet Lady Liberty, you are the lost, though you are free, and what hides beneath, can't tell the wolves from the sheep” chorus.
Other highlights of the album include "Midnight Regulations", "Accept Crime", "Born and Raised" and “The Northern” with sweet low vocals and explosive episodes. Aggressive “Heading for the Sun” kicks ass and somber closer “Burial” has hazes of organ.
“Old Crows/Young Cardinals” is an album totally different from their past work and at the same time Alexisonfire have managed to keep the listener satisfied.
