It’s funny how sometimes the most intriguing musical artifacts aren't the grand studio albums, but these smaller, almost incidental releases. For fans of AFI, the 'AP . EP', also known as the 'Alternative Press EP', is one such gem. Released back in July 1999, this little package came as a freebie with a purchase of Alternative Press magazine. Think of it as a bonus track, a little something extra to tide you over.
What makes this EP particularly interesting is its direct connection to a pivotal moment in AFI's discography. All three tracks featured – 'Malleus Maleficarum', 'God Called In Sick Today', and 'The Prayer Position' – were later included on their fourth studio album, 'Black Sails in the Sunset'. So, in essence, this EP offered a sneak peek, a taste of what was to come on that full-length release, all wrapped up in a simple cardboard sleeve.
It’s a snapshot from a band on the cusp of something, a moment captured before the wider world fully embraced their evolving sound. While 'Black Sails in the Sunset' itself is a landmark album, the 'AP . EP' serves as a charming footnote, a collector's item that reminds us of the journey and the little detours along the way. It’s a testament to how even a promotional EP can hold significant value for dedicated followers, offering a slightly different perspective on familiar territory.
