Review: Alexisonfire - Old Crows/Young Cardinals

So I just received an early preview copy of Alexisonfire's fourth album Old Crows/Young Cardinals, due for release 22/06/2009 and I'm going to be kind enough as to review it for you lucky people. Don't read on if you want your first listen to be an unbiased one. And if you've heard the album, be sure to let me know if you agree with me or not.

Old Crows/Young Cardinals:

The long-awaited new outing from Canadian, post-hardcore metallers Alexisonfire, their first release since 2006's heavily lauded Crisis is a record I've been looking forward to with high anticipation and also very high expectations. This is what I thought:

Old Crows - 7/10

For the long-waiting Alexisonfire fan, the slow ambient intro which rolls into the first hard-hitting riff of the album may be enough to send shivers down your spine, and if that doesn’t do it for you, the fierce growling opening vocals will surely. Alexisonfire are back, and it sounds like they mean business. All in all, it’s a solid opener that sets the tone of the album well without giving too much away.

Young Cardinals - 8/10

Set to be the first single from the album, and it is crammed full of the pop sensibilities which made songs such as Boiled Frogs and This Could Be Anywhere in the World such big hits.

Sons of Privilege - 10/10

On my first listen through the album, this track stood out as a possible favourite, the aggressive verses joined with the anthemic chorus and a bridge which is sure to get a huge rise out of fans when it's played live. This song embodies everything that Alexisonfire do best.

Born and Raised - 6/10

One of the only tracks on the album that could be considered as 'filler.' Not to say that it's a bad song, because it's absolutely not, it just seemed overly formulaic to me, aggressive verses met with the 'singalong' chorus from Dallas. A good solid, post-hardcore Alexisonfire track, but as part of the album, it doesn't really add or detract anything.

No Rest - 6/10

Another track that didn't completely do it for me. I've heard rumour that this is set to be released as the second single from the album, and i can see why it would be a suitable choice, the chorus certinality stays in your head after listening, and for this reason may become a live favourite.

The Northen - 9/10

This track really stood out to me when first listening through, mainly because at the start it just didn't sound like Alexisonfire, a slow and ambient opening which doesn't really get into fifth gear until the last segment. It also features possibly my favourite vocal section from the whole album, the haunting, crystal clear 'Halleluja' followed by blisteringly heavy guitar and harsh screams of 'praise the lord.' Also a contender for my favourite song lyrically from this the new record.

Midnight Regulations - 5/10

Midnight Regulations didn't cut it for me, it's a solid track, but again seemed pretty formulaic and reminiscent of their earlier albums. Another filler track, but again, not a bad track by any means.

The Emerald - 6/10

One of the more lyrically interesting songs, as a point of focus it really shows how Alexisonfires style has progressed and how they've matured as song writers.

Heading for the Sun - 7/10

One of the faster-paced tunes, the first part of a gutsy, double-barrelled, punk-rock ending to the album.

Accept Crime - 8/10

A fun, rapid-fire track with a memorable, impacting chorus and a smattering of mini punk-rock solos that really help tie the song together.

Burial - 7/10

The slow finisher was somewhat of an anti-climax for me, I'd have personally preferred it if they'd finished with Accept Crimes and left the album on a heavy note, it's akin to being kissed after a hard fast slap to the face. Trying to avoid the term 'emo' here, the band seem to enjoy finishing each record with a 'slower' number. For me, this doesn't match up to Rough Hands or Happiness by the Kilowatt which were both fantastic songs in their own right.

Old Crows/Young Cardinals. Overall: 8/10

A growling announcement during the chorus of Old Crows, states ‘We are not the kids we used to be’ and that mentality certainly shines throughout the rest of the record. Alexisonfire have grown up, their style has progressed but not so much as to alienate their long-time fans, and definitely not enough so that it does not bare similarity to 2002's self titled debut, or 2004's Watch Out. It has more guts than the previous albums, and is sure to go down well with both new and old fans alike.