Itâs been nearly 10 years since AFI last toured the UK, it started having us question whether they would ever return to these shores. But after a very long wait, theyâre finally back, in support of their latest album Silver Bleeds The Black SunâŚ.
First on tonight is an act Iâm completely unfamiliar with, TR/ST. Coming from Canada, they are an electro-goth act formed by Robert Alfons back in 2010. With only two members, they take up very little space on such a large stage but their sound definitely fills the room. Itâs a dark and moody atmosphere, similar to something youâd expect to find in a dystopian sci-fi film. Whilst occasionally things pick up, on the whole, the energy remains the same through out, backed by the occasional catchy bassline, but what started as intrigue in the crowd slowly starts to dissipate. Whilst I can understand the choice of support based on the current sound AFI have, it does feel a bit of an odd choice. While it may not be for everyone, there are definitely areas of the crowd who are enjoying the 30 minute set, but I think we were all surprised by the very abrupt ending.
Having formed back in the early â90s, AFI gained notoriety amongst the scene for their goth-punk sound. That all changed in 2006 with the release of Decemberunderground which brought change to their sound, opening them up to a whole new audience. Since then their sound has continuously changed up their sound finally landing on the synth wave/gothic sound of their latest album Silver Bleeds The Black SunâŚ. Whilst the newer sound may not be for everyone that hasnât stopped fans both old and new coming out to tonightâs show. Originally slated for O2 Ritz, the demand meant a huge upgrade to the main room of Manchester academy.
Kicking things off with Strength Through Wounding is a nice surprise. As bassist Hunter Burgan and guitarist Jade Puget bounce across the stage, frontman Davey Havok makes his appearance to much applause, before the first big singalong of the night with Girlâs Not Grey. Starting things off with their earlier work is an easy crowd-pleaser and quickly draws attention in. Love Like Winter keeps the winning streak going before we finally get our first taste of the newer material with Holy Visions. Based on the crowdâs reaction, it goes down a treat.
From the moment Davey gets behind the microphone, he commands the crowd, often leaning the mic stand out into the crowd encouraging singalongs. His performance is full of energy, constantly moving from riser to riser, but thereâs also a theatrical feel to poses and reaches-out. Itâs not just his stage presence thatâs great; his vocal performance is also fantastic. While some of the older songs may have been changed up a little, his vocal delivery is still strong, really standing out when on the new songs. A personal highlight was the atmospheric Behind The Clock which I feel really showed off quite how good these songs sound live.
While this tour maybe in support of the new album, itâs a career-spanning set featuring songs from across their catalogue (even dipping into their 1996 album Very Proud Of Ya for a fast-paced playthrough of File 13). The biggest reaction, though, comes from the mighty Miss Murder. Many in the crowd no doubt started listening to the band during their early albums, but Miss Murder was manyâs first time hearing the band. Wrapping things up with The Days Of The Phoenix and Silver And Cold is the perfect way to bring the set to a close.
After such a long time away from the UK, it was great to finally see AFI return and deliver such an exciting and enjoyable set. It was a night of nostalgic joy for many of us in the crowd and to get such a diverse setlistwas great. There are so many bands from the 2000s era which just donât quite cut it live anymore, but itâs safe to say AFI arenât one of those bands. Letâs hope that Davey and the band donât leave it another 10 years before they return!
Words and photos by Will Robinson (Instagram)
