DECEMBERUNDERGROUND

On its seventh full-length album, AFI (A Fire Inside) reunites with renowned producer Jerry Finn for a strikingly dynamic outing that builds on its highly successful predecessor, SING THE SORROW. While the California-based goth-influenced band still excels at hard-edged punk-pop, as best revealed on the catchy anthem "Miss Murder," it also makes impressive forays into techno-tinged rock on the surging "Love Like Winter" and the brooding, Depeche Mode-like "37mm." Although DECEMBERUNDERGROUND's few "screamo" moments prove to be a bit distracting, particularly on "Kill Caustic" and "Afflication," they reinforce both frontman Davey Havok's vocal range and the group's willingness to journey around the stylistic map, resulting in a bold, assured record.