I’ve been wanting to do a blog over some of the latest albums that I have purchased, so in this blog I’m going to give you my breakdown on the latest album from Angels and Airwaves, I-Empire, which was released on October 23, 2007.

Angels and Airwaves: I-Empire

I-Empire is the sophomore album from former Blink 182 guitarist/vocalist, Tom DeLonge and his latest group. Members include guitarist/vocalist DeLonge, former Box Car Racer guitarist David Kennedy, former Offspring drummer Atom Willard, and former 30 Seconds to Mars bassist Matt Watcher. Angels and Airwave’s I-Empire is a very impressive feat in its own right simply because it was released just over a year from its predecessor, We Don’t Need to Whisper, the bands debut album.

Angels and Airwaves’ We Don’t Need to Whisper was like a very well blended cup of musical coffee. Consisting of members from various bands and various styles of music, Angels and Airwaves delivered a sound reminiscent of U2’s atmosphere while throwing conceptual lyrics and melodic harmonies into the blend. You could say that the album’s tone was an overall mixture of U2’s atmosphere and Blink 182’s catchiness with a hint of Pink Floyd. Their debut album was a surprising smash that attracted not only former Blink 182 fans but also captured the liking of many critics with its ambient atmosphere, tight rhythm, themed lyrics (love and war) and melodic choruses. The only draw back that many people had with Angels and Airwaves’ debut album was Tom DeLonge’s distinct voice. Some people like his semi-whining tone and the way he overemphasizes his words, yet others hate it. But one thing is for certain. Whether you like DeLonge’s voice or not, he has definitely improved as a vocalist from his Blink-182 days due in large part to the passion and maturity that he pours into Angels and Airwaves. The vast array of instrumental and vocal effects that Angels and Airwaves uses in their songs doesn’t hurt either.

So where does I-Empire lie in contrast to the debut album We Don’t Need to Whisper? The answer is: almost the exact same spot. I-Empire continues to carry a similar sound to We Don’t Need to Whisper as well as continuing with the band’s epic themes of love and war. The album starts off strong with the tracks “Call to Arms” and “Everything’s Magic” which both feature up-beat tempos and catchy choruses. Their current single, “Sirens,” also happens to be the best song on the album and will leave you singing the chorus line “I do this from time to time…” over and over again. Despite the album starting off strong, it tends to weaken in the middle on tracks “True Love” (8) and “Jumping Rooftops” (10) which both contain extended intros that sound good yet grow a tad tedious and a bit repetitive.

Tom DeLonge must have had writing fever because the band started working on the new record during the beginning of 2007 and by May DeLonge said that it was nearly 75 percent complete. Because of having such a short break from the release of their debut album and from touring I-Empire sounds more like a continuation of We Don’t Need to Whisper than it does a separate album. However, in contrast, DeLonge’s lyrics pack in much deeper meanings this time around. The track “Right of Spring” follows DeLonge as he recalls his sub-par childhood memories and break-up with ex-Blink 182 member and good friend Mark Hoppus. In the song “Secret Crowds,” DeLonge emphasizes his politics and heart-felt ambition to make the world a better, safer place.

If you were a fan of We Don’t Need to Whisper then you will absolutely feel right at home by buying I-Empire. Despite the lack of originality of its predecessor, I-Empire does elaborate on the formula of creating a genuine listening experience featuring great instrument effects, solid song layouts, and epic melodies. Overall, this is a great alternative rock album, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something uplifting and atmospheric. As always, thanks for reading.

Dillon (D-dub)