Bodies finds AFI fully committed to restraint, atmosphere, and control rather than raw aggression. It’s a record shaped by mood and texture, where bass weight, disciplined drumming, and understated electronics carry as much emotional force as Davey Havok’s vocals. While not every song lands with the same impact, the album sustains a cohesive, confident tone that gives it a strong sense of identity.

The opener, “Twisted Tongues,” sets that tone immediately. Built on rolling drums, rumbling bass, and echo-drenched riffs, it unfolds slowly and deliberately. Davey sounds fragile and exposed, allowing grief and vulnerability to bleed through his delivery. The chorus is restrained but powerful, with subtle choral touches and distant guitars adding tension. As the track builds, it grows more forceful without ever losing its cold, moody composure, establishing the album’s emotional framework.

“Far Too Near” follows with a pulsing, bass-forward groove that sits beautifully in the mix. Hollowed-out riffs and heavy drum accents frame one of the album’s stronger choruses, soaked in echo and emotional distance. Davey’s detached, melancholy performance reinforces the record’s recurring themes of isolation and inward reflection.

A clear highlight arrives with “Dulcería.” Anchored by a thick, almost disco-leaning bassline, the song feels like dark disco-punk—cool, seductive, and tightly controlled. The drums are minimal and precise, the guitars distant and mournful, and Davey delivers his lines with quiet swagger. There’s a cinematic elegance to it, moody and stylish without trying too hard.

“On Your Back” injects momentum with quicker drums and washed-out vocals layered in delay. The bass steps aside as shimmering riffs and percussion drive the track forward. Dark but energetic, it’s lean, catchy, and effective, moving past before it wears out its welcome.

The pacing stumbles slightly on “Escape From Los Angeles.” Despite strong individual elements—fuzzed bass, clean riffs, tasteful synth touches—the song feels less inspired than its surroundings. The second half gains depth with heavier low-end, but it ultimately comes across as more transitional than essential.

The album regains its footing with “Begging for Trouble.” Bouncy drums, thick bass, and bright guitar lines lock together cleanly, while haunting synths and layered vocals give the chorus added weight. The inclusion of violins lifts the track further, especially during its grand, cinematic finale, making it one of the record’s most polished and emotionally satisfying moments.

“Back From the Flesh” retreats into darker, more minimal territory. Pulsing synths, sparse percussion, and hushed vocals—both lead and ghostly backing layers—create an intimate, haunting atmosphere. When the synths swell midway through, the song expands dramatically without sacrificing its closeness.

With “Looking Tragic,” AFI briefly nod toward the swagger of their Crash Love era, filtered through a darker, more reserved lens. Straightforward riffs, driving drums, and a playful bassline support Davey’s confident delivery. It’s simple, catchy, and effective.

The album’s most experimental cut is “Death of the Party.” Robotic, pop-leaning synths, deep drums, and quirky riffs give the track a strange, mechanical pulse. Davey’s dry, intentionally detached vocal performance adds to its off-kilter sadness. It’s an odd entry that becomes more rewarding with repeated listens.

“No Eyes” strips things back into a more traditional rock framework. Thick bass, tight drums, and layered vocals carry the song, with understated riffs that bloom in the chorus. Davey’s washed-out effects and steady cadence make it a strong late-album highlight.

Closing track “Tied to a Tree” brings Bodies to a slow, heavy conclusion. Acoustic guitars open the song before swelling drums and bass create a massive, emotionally weighted backdrop. Davey’s controlled, restrained delivery—at times reminiscent of Trent Reznor—fits the song’s patience and gravity perfectly. It’s a haunting, reflective finale.

Ultimately, Bodies isn’t about reinvention. It’s about discipline, mood, and emotional texture. A few tracks feel less essential, but the album’s consistency, refined production, and emotional depth make it a compelling listen. AFI sound focused and confident, earning the album’s strength through atmosphere and feeling rather than flash.