Alexisonfire - Old Crows/Young Cardinals
Record Label: Vagrant Records
Release Date: June 23, 2009
"We are not the kids we used to be / Stop wishing for yesterday!” These are much more than just lyrics from Canadian quintet Alexisonfire’s latest album Old Crows/ Young Cardinals. It is a brash statement they want everyone to know. So often in today’s scene, fans will scold and trash their favorite bands, because they didn’t make another album sounding exactly the same as before, or because they decided to step outside the box and progress their sound. Alexisonfire not only realizes this, but they simply don’t give a fuck.
Producer Julius Butty does an impressive job at maintaining many staples of Alexisonfire, while still creating an album completely unique sounding, in comparison to their previous albums. Through this, the maturation of the band is seen immediately on the first track “Old Crows.” George Pettit brings not only strong vocals, but a new sound to the rough vocals heard in their previous album Crisis. Heavy guitar riffs throughout show that the new Alexisonfire is ready to prove any naysayers wrong. Many long time fans might be confused at the absence of Dallas Green on this track, but fear not. His strong-as-ever vocals make their appearance in “Young Cardinals,” the first single off Old Crows/Young Cardinals.
“Born and Raised,” one of the best tracks on Old Crows/Young Cardinals, showcases how amazing all three vocalists can work in harmony to create a brilliant sounding song. It is not only on this track, but all throughout, that Green shows how impressive he is as a vocalist. The album ends with a somber, yet powerful ballad, titled “Burial,” which leaves the listener both wanting more, and realizing how complete of an album Old Crows/Young Cardinals truly is.
While Old Crows/Young Cardinals might turn off some long time Alexisonfire fans, the progression shown in this album, not only from their last album Crisis, but their entire career, is hard to deny. Where many bands might play it safe and stick to something tried and true, Alexisonfire dare to go where few dare to go. Not only do they prove that the risk is worth it with Old Crows/Young Cardinals, but they’ve proven that they can venture to new sounds, and still create something absolutely stellar.
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