Crash Love

Released in 2009, Crash Love is AFI's eighth studio album and marks a significant stylistic departure from the electronic-heavy Decemberunderground. Produced by Jacknife Lee and Joe McGrath, the album intentionally stripped away the synthesizers and orchestral programming that had come to define the band's mid-2000s sound, focusing instead on a 'pure' rock quartet arrangement. This era saw the band engaging deeply with their fanbase through the 'Begin Transmission' contest, which brought fans into the studio to record backing vocals, most notably on 'I Am Trying Very Hard to Be Here.' Sonically, the record draws heavily from 1980s post-punk and new wave influences, particularly The Smiths and The Cure, while maintaining the aggressive drumming and anthemic structures of modern alternative rock. Critically, it was praised for its musicianship and hooks but polarized fans who missed the band's darker, more 'emo' aesthetic. It stands as the most 'rock and roll' record in their catalog, emphasizing melody and guitar craftsmanship over theatrical atmosphere.