subject: Alexisonfire Albums- The Best Of Post Hardcore Wit [print this page] There is no doubt that Alexisonfire albums are a treat to listen to. It is a fact that musically inclined individuals often have a knack for crafting catchy lyrics. This band however is one of the very few that can exhibit a funnily acidic wit that is both entertaining and winning. You'd easily notice this in composition titles like Boiled Frogs and Pulmonary Archery.
The band has always been witty from the very start. This is evident in their band name which is lifted from a stripper named Alexis Fire. The stripper claims to be the only lactating strip performer. Fire initially took legal action against the band because her name had been used without permission. She had no choice but to stand down though after it had been established that she had no name copyright.
The first group line up was formed in 2001 when then founding members merged after their respective bands had broken up. On vocals is George Pettit from Condemning Salemn. Sharing vocals duty as well as guitar and piano is Dallas Green from Helicon Blue. Also on vocals and guitar is Wade MacNeil from Plan 9. Bassist Chris Steele came from the same defunct band as MacNeil. The group tapped Jesse Ingelevics as drummer to complete the group.
The band released its first EP with the amusing title Math Sheet Demos. This was reportedly given such a name because the disc that contained the musical work was wrapped in actual math homework sheets. The Alexisonfire album featured more of the band's witty humor when it came out with a cover of two Catholic school girls in a knife fight. The group has since used this image to refer to the kind of music that they perform.
The group's attractive self-packaging is probably the reason why the members were immediately able to draw attention to themselves. Shortly after they formed, they were able to get a deal from Distort Entertainment and a distribution agreement with EMI. Despite the obvious potential of being able to grab the attention of bigger labels, the group chose to remain largely independent. This didn't seem disadvantageous for the group at all since they have been able to sell their work relying on fan support and touring.
The band moved on closer to more success with their second release, Watch Out! which started selling in 2004. In as short as three months, the musical work garnered a gold status in Canadian soil. It was clear from the very start that this second work was even more of a bang than its predecessor. Band member Pettit says this is most likely because bands do get better the longer they play. Some fans add that the improved sound is most likely the result of a better show of emotions. This successful second album was followed by Crisis in 2008 and then by Old Crows/Cardinals in 2009.
The group's progress was only briefly interrupted by Ingelevics leaving in 2005. Although he was one of the originals, some of the members could not get along with him. Taking over from him is Jordan Hastings.
All Allexisonfire albums are scream songs. Even if you don't like this type of music though, there's a good chance you'll find this group a bit endearing.
