You want it heavy, AFN's got some shit for you. You want it with some melodic vocals thrown
over some down tuned guitar and bass? AFN's got whatever "fix" you need. Normally I get
turned off on stuff that's constantly heavy, but AFN's grooves stick in your head and at the
end of their 13-track CD "On Deaf Ears" I hit play again, not satisfied with just one listen.
Singer Mark Anthony's melodic vocals provide and excellent contrast for the brutal riffs of
guitarist Sean Wetmore. AFN works great as a unit and the tightness comes across on this CD.
I was hooked from the the first song "Still Born". Every song on this release slams, so it's hard
to pick a favorite. They're all different in their own way. My personal faves are "Fashion
Show","Neglect","Still Born", "The Fix","Spill", and the album closer "Structure". This CD
is good from start to finish. If you haven't heard or seen AFN, this is definitely a band worth
checking out. MJK "The Pittsburgh Underground"
AFN - On Deaf Ears
Luxuriating in the raw, primal energies of their sound, the soulful melodies of their words, and the electrifying intensity of their style is the latest explosive release from the band known as AFN.
With a sound that is enthralling as much as it is dominating, AFN's eclectic approach to the hard rock/nu-metal scene is fronted by the four members, each with their own unique styling that brings something different to the table, which composed together creates a singular journey into raging turmoil.
Dynamic range, eclectic styling, and various musical genres collide with one another to create an aggressively powerful sound that sways between groovecore, aggro, tribal, with traces of emo or alt/rock. Song structures are fairly simple & straightforward, and for the most part they retain a high-energy, fast-paced tempo or groove. A bit more variety in sound & speed could have helped to differentiate the music. Thick, looming bass lines dominate side by side with vicious drumwork that punctuates each note,
while underlying riffs twist & churn from melodious to malicious. Talented musicianship and unique artistic visions foreshadow the abilities of AFN whose sound is raw & vicious, yet melodic, precise and appealing. Imagine a stripped down Soulfly with hints of Helmet or Prong.
Utilizing the unique vocal styling and vocal pitch of frontman Mark Anthony that comes across as a memorable & catchy stop/start method that almost appears as rap-singing but isn't, accented by his appealing voice which is better suited for a light rock or alt/pop band, and is countered by his vicious screams & singing. In sharp contrast are the demonic vocals of backing vocalist Sean Wetmore who comes across as a Max Cavalera protégé. Simple, yet rhythmic lyrics are spewed out with style and passion, creating
an aura of highly-energized intensity that meshes dynamically with the musical backdrop.
"On Deaf Ears.", the second release from AFN following on the heals of "Blurred Vision", is a huge step forward propelled by the intensity and raging energy that is found throughout this sophomore effort. Dominated by a thick, tribal groove, countered by appealing rhythmic singing, AFN has created a cd that is both aggressive & laced with mainstream appeal. From
the memorable "The Fix" to the Soulfly-induced "Pissed Off Bastard", AFN is able to mesh tribal metal with an alternative approach with grace and devastation. "Spill", "Date Rape", and "Structure" finish the cd with a flourish, fronted by dynamic effects, chaotic vocals, varied tempos and powerfully riveting harmonic assaults.
AFN is a very young band with a unique sound, blessed with talent and determination. With "On Deaf Ears." the band has taken the next step towards establishing them selves as a dominant figure in the metal genre, they just need to completely discover & refine their own sound & style, while not corrupting or disregarding what they have accomplished thus far. An appealing fusion between alt/rock & tribal groovecore, coupled with excellent vocal dynamics has the band on the right path and with the amount of energy & intensity that emits from the band's sound, it is quite evident
that their hearts are into the creation of their music. Time can heal all wounds, and with enough time for the band to work out all of the little kinks & soft points in their sound, AFN could then become a dominant force.
Final Score: 7.25 out of 10
MORE REVIEWS TO COME.....
Review by Robert Thompson
Dynamic Rock
