Angels & Airwaves - I-Empire
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Free Music Notes for I-Empire
Free Music Review: Will be enjoyed for years.
Hit: 5 Stars
Truth be known, We Don't Need To Whisper did not live up to the hype DeLonge had hoped for. There i said it, so deal with it! I won't completely bag it though. While the album did show great potential and some classic DeLonge riffs that get you hooked, the repetitious melodies and multiple layers of synthesized keys did not elevate the album to that level that pushes me over the top. In layman's terms, i just didn't get the goosebumps that blink gave me. I-Empire is different, much different.
DeLonge seems to have loosened up on the world domination "state of mind" and is more focused on wanting to make unique music and share it with as many people as possible, and that is clearly evident on this record. Compare the opening tracks to both albums. The listener must wait 1:11 before you even hear the first guitar riff in Valkyrie Missile. In my opinion, 1988 electro-synth intro's should STAY in 1988. However, Call to Arms starts with a booming kick drum and a cute little guitar hook which builds the core to a great album opener.
But it's not just this song. The entire record is just so much more emotional and powerful than anything DeLonge has previously written. Could it be Atom Willard's experimental and more intricate drumming? Could it be the inclusion of Matt Wachter in the recording studio? I don't know, but damn i love it. If AVA keep going from strength to strength like this i cannot wait for their third album.
Free Music Review: If I had my own world, I'd build you an empire...
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't profess to be a music expert (nor a Blink 182 fan). I'm 42, grew up in the eighties when Queen, U2, New Order and the Blue Nile ruled my musical world (sigh) and watched it happen from the other side of the world (Australia). But I felt compelled to contribute a review of this second AvA album which builds upon an excellent debut set.
I have heard Angels and Airwaves described as 'stadium' or 'anthemic' rock which, for me, is a good way to explain the genre that this band occupies. This is an outstanding collection of anthemic, driving tracks that demand volume and the open road to enjoy to their fullest. For those of us who find rap and all its mutations impossible to enjoy, this is a breath of fresh air.
To those who feel AvA's sound owes a debt to the 80s and the stadium sound of early U2 (War and the Joshua Tree), I say "so what?" I'm just happy that an old bloke me has been able to discover a band that delivers inspiring guitar and synth-rich anthems. Listen to 'Star of Bethlehem' and 'True Love' and you will know what I am talking about.
Are AvA a little formulaic? Possibly, but what is wrong with that? These guys know how to build a great riff and sharp chorus and that's all I have ever asked for. I remember walking out of U2 concerts in Sydney in the mid-80s still singing the words from "40." I hope to be able to do something similar when AvA visit Australia again.
Free Music Review: What a relief
Hit: 5 Stars
The first AVA CD was one of those rare albums you come across unexpectantly and they end up in your playlist long term. Death Cab's Plan's, Paul Oakenfold's Tranceport, Massive Attack's Mezzanine, and the first AVA. I was not a huge fan of Blink 182, but We Don't Need To Whisper was solid from start to end with only 1-2 hicups.
It's hard for artists to replicate such solid performances, but AVA has done it here and I have no hesitation saying that this album is as good as the first. Rite Of Spring is the weakest, because its lyrics are discracefully cheesy, but the uplifting, fast-paced sound of AVA is back with a vengeance. It will define this year's fall, as their first one defined the last for me.
Some people like artists to evolve (which is a euphamism for starting to suck), others don't like it. I generally do not. The sounds of this album are uncannily similar to the first, IMO--almost like a second disc of the same album. Others have found differences, but this is undeniably AVA and no fan of the first album will dislike this one.
We all know it's inevitable until AVA pulls what Linkin Park did with their last album, releasing absolute an utter discraceful garbage to upset and otherwise flawless career, but until that time comes, we should all be so happy to ride the wave.
Both thumbs up.
Free Music Review: AVA returns...and they still have the magic
Hit: 5 Stars
Only a year and a half after their debut album, Angels and Airwaves are back again with their sophmore album. This time around, the songs are more focused and alot tighter than their previous album. 'I-Empire' clocks in at about 55 minutes and its as epic as you can get. The main difference between 'I-Empire' and their last album, 'We Don't Need To Whisper', is that this one offers less experimental arrangements and huge intros and concentrates more on the core of the song. The production of this album is phenomenal and the songs are very deep in sound -- meaning that you will hear alot of additional things if you use headphones or crank up your stereo very loud. Where 'We Don't Need To Whisper' lacked, 'I-Empire' makes up for but it also lacks things that made their debut album so great. The songs are a little more stripped down this time around and don't feel as epic if you compare them to songs on their previous album. I-Empire definitely has it's moments with 'True Love' and 'Heaven', which are breath-taking and truely more original than any other song out today.
Overall, 'I-Empire' is a brilliant follow-up to 'We Don't Need To Whisper' and makes you wonder what direction they will go on their next effort.
Free Music Review: "Just sit back and hold but hold on tight"
Hit: 5 Stars
I-Empire
Tom DeLonge has come a long way from his snotty nose, pop punk beginning. He's matured, and it shows on "I-Empire." "We Don't Need To Whisper" was an amazing debut album for AVA, and "I-Empire" is a can't-be-ignored follow-up. If you are a fan of U2, you'll be fan of AVA. DeLonge is creative ,and most importantly, he has a positive message.
"Love Like Rockets" is my favorite cut off of the CD; It has that "..hold on but hold on tight" attitude that will lift you up into full orbit.
"Rite of Spring" is a slight return to DeLonge's punkness, but any son who has tangled with his father ,or has had his father break his heart, will understand this song. The sounds that AVA uses are original. On the song "Lifeline", there are chain-link sounds, as if someone were carrying around a ball and chain. The songs message for me is that "we all make mistakes" ,and we all need to be forgiven and helped.
It's a definite that AVA, through their music, will encourage us all to "reach out and lean for the strength to touch the sky."