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Alexisonfire.
Going by the album cover for 'Watch Out' one might think Alexisonfire
are a cheesy metal band but they are quite the opposite. Hailing
from Canada, they have made people stand up and take notice
with their melody-crunching rock sound. The positive outlook
and humble manner that's evident through their music also colours
my conversation with lead singer George Pettit. We open up by
discussing how the group has dealt with the massive response
across the globe.
"For every positive response there is a negative response right. It's all balance. As far as the positive response, we would be telling a bit of a lie to say that it didn't effect us at all. It's humbling knowing that people are sharing a similar love. I would like to think that this 'buzz' is more than a buzz. We have been touring non-stop and bringing the fun to as many countries and cities as possible, so hopefully by now the buzz is translating into a reality." He pauses. "This is starting to sound way to deep and cheesy. Ummm... heavy metal!" he laughs.
The band's sound has changed quite substantially when compared with their self-titled debut. "Well, for people that are aware of our music the change may seem a bit different but I think it was very natural for us. You always want to move forward in life and never forget your roots and we think we moved forward in a positive way. When we went to record our first album, those were the first songs we ever wrote; the first time we were in the studio most of us were teenagers. It was a learning curve and a great one at that. So when we went in to record our second album, we had been touring for well over a year and a half. We all were growing and it forced us to learn and grow through these experiences. We simply took in everything around us, started writing and recording for two months straight. It was amazing what was coming out. We had no clear idea of where this album would go musically, but when we finished we were all very proud of ourselves."
Continuing the discussion about their album, we find ourselves speaking about the polished production of 'Watch Out.' "We co-produced with a gentleman by the name of Juice and he was brilliant to work with. He has recently worked with Sleeper Set Sail, A Day and A Deathwish and also did Jude the Obscure. We wanted to make the best sounding album possible. Our first was raw; it served a great purpose and we love it but we really wanted to make a good rock and roll album - you know, a good album when you can listen from front to back and not skip a song? It has flow and takes you through different vibes, we wanted that. Mars Volta put out a solid rock album, it was amazing - not that we are comparing ourselves to this by any means at all, we fall in comparison and we realize that," he adds, laughing. "So if we can capture 1/50th of that vibe we are stoked. So instead of rambling on, yes we got the result we wanted."
The song White Devil attacks the issue of using drugs. Pettit is quite outspoken on the matter and assures me the band take a no tolerance approach to drugs. "None of us do drugs, however making them fashionable is what we actually hate more than anything. Its like the 80's again. Is it really that cool to flaunt that you're doing cocaine? Making it socially acceptable is fucking ridiculous and we hate that. Some moron using drugs and using that to define themselves is really weak willed and kids are using it like its candy lately. Parents have to stop letting computers and TV's raise their children and start having open communication with them," he sighs.
"I know this is sounding like some public service announcement but we see it. We are out there and it's not cool. However, it's alright to be compassionate and we are when it comes to this. We value life and we hate seeing other people abusing it. We all have our vices, just so long as you know what your vices are made of and what is the end result. Cocaine and heroin is a crap shoot and we find life way to valuable to be gambling with it."
Adrian Lee
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Alexisonfire play at the Enigma Bar on Thurs 25 Nov with I Killed The Prom Queen, The Hot Lies and Mere Theory. 'Watch Out' is out now through Shock.
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