If the Genre Don’t Fit, You Must Quit!

For veteran vocalist Davey Havok and guitarist Jade Puget (both of AFI), there is plenty of unexplored territory in the music wild lands. Under the moniker Blaqk Audio, the two have already released one emotionally enriched album in 2007 and are back with more racy verses in their latest release, Bright Black Heaven. This much anticipated sophomore album features twelve original tracks by Havok and Puget that range from darkwave to synthpop to techno, all steeped with lyrically sexual overtones.

When Davey Havok’s moody voice welcomes listeners to Bright Black Heaven, the last thing they would expect to follow is the fast, pulsing, dance stabs paired with kick/snare drum loops on “Cold War.” The album single, “Faith Healer”, is a little more sedated compared to the previous two tracks, featuring a much slower tempo and 80’s-era Depeche Mode-esque synthesizers. Let’s hope that Havok was able to fulfill his fantasy of impersonating Dave Gahan with Bright Black Heaven.

For dedicated AFI fans, Havok’s vocals can be associated with one group and one group only. This masquerade of dance friendly music production fits the duo awkwardly. But, hey, don’t blame Davey for giving the Blaqk Audio thing another stab. With EDM cornering every musical billboard to date, it’s nice to know this talented twosome have an outlet for such a style. Let’s just count our blessings that Bright Black Heaven wasn’t put out under the AFI moniker.

AFI fans would take a gamble in purchasing this album. AFI fans that really enjoy their darkwave would do well to wake up early on Bright Black Heaven’s September 11^th release date.