(photo: Jess Baumung)

I’m not going to say that I’m totally into Alexisonfire, but I’m enough of a fan of Dallas Green’s work as City And Colour to give his harder, heavier other project a chance.  You know me, nothing if not an equal opportunist.

Part of the fascination is of course that Alexisonfire started in St. Catharines, Ontario, just a stone’s throw from QBiM HQ.  Local heroes would be an understatement; these boys have been raised to God-like status around these parts by those who appreciate the heavier side of life (musically and emotionally speaking).  Old Crows / Young Cardinals is the band’s fourth album, and follows pretty much the same trajectory of the others; as the band themselves describe their sound as “two Catholic high-school girls in mid-knife-fight”, and that pretty much is the definitive quote on the subject.  The album is definitely broadening their scope and style, and offers some relief from the shouted lyrics of yore thanks to the excellent mid-album track “The Northern”.  George Petitt, main vocalist harmonizes with Green in a mid-song break that shows maturity and growth.  Album opener “Old Crows” suggests that Alexisonfire 2009 is not the same beast it was back in 2002 when they really were young boys; “We’re not the kids we used to be,” goes the chorus, and you could certainly make the argument that they have indeed changed.

I didn’t think I’m the kid I used to be either, so Alexisonfire’s brand of heavy/loud sonic somersaults is best served me in small doses.  However, based on the strength of “The Northern”and tracks like album closer “burial” (a Dallas Green-sung heavy lament that smolders), Old Crows / Young Cardinals is worth your time and consideration.

MP3: Alexisonfire “The Northern”
Myspace: Alexisonfire