Alexisonfire: Old Crows/Young Cardinals

(Dine Alone, 2009)

Discovery: See first AOF entry.

Result: At first, I didn't like this record. Sure, it had the standard Alexisonfire heavy riffs, Dallas' beautiful voice, but.. where was the screaming? On this record, singer George trades in his screaming voice for one more reminiscent of 80s hardcore. After a few listens, however, I began to really like this album. Sure, now the vocals of George and guitar player Wade sound similar, but you still get that fullness that having three singers brings. It's near impossible to top Crisis in my mind, but this album is still one I listen to and enjoy frequently.

Stand-out Tracks: "Sons of Privilege", "Born and Raised", "No Rest"

Alexisonfire: Crisis

(Distort, 2006)

Discovery: See previous entry

Result: Enter the Alexisonfire album that sold me on the band. It remains my favourite AOF record, and brings back excellent memories of live shows, road trips, and singalongs. The near-perfect blend of heavy riffage, gorgeous vocal melodies and screaming that somehow sounds like singing. I love every song on Crisis (with the exception of the strange "You Burn First" which I love some days and hate the others) and am happy to rock out with the kids on this one.

Stand-out Tracks: "This Could Be Anywhere in the World", "Boiled Frogs", "Rough Hands"

Alexisonfire: Watch Out!

(Distort, 2004)

Discovery: I admit to being a little late on the Alexisonfire game. I knew all about them but was not really interested in their music. At the time I was listening to a lot of old school, melodic, and 90s skate punk, so the first AOF release had too much screaming for me. I guess you could say I didn't really "get it". For me, the TSN Turning Point was the release of "Crisis" in 2006. But more on that tomorrow.

Result: In recent years, I have become really into Alexisonfire and this type of music layered with heavy riffs, screaming vocals and pretty singing. I feel like this album is right on the brink of the style AOF mastered on Crisis, and it has become a mainstay on my record rotation. I love singers that play instruments, but there's a killer dynamic you get when a singer is not tied to a mic stand. Alexisonfire having both makes for a fantastic live show.

Stand-out Tracks: "Accidents", "No Transitory", "Happiness By the Kilowatt"