| I'm not going to lie. Tom Delonge went from hero to a quick zero in my book with his departure from blink and subsequent assholishness. Angels And Airwaves, while having talented musicians on paper, always seemed to never do it for me. It always felt like they were trying to hard to be taken seriously with their atmospheric rock. Either way, their new album "I-Empire" is the successor to their first album "We Don't Need To Whisper," which got moderate praise; but also a lot of jaded fans.
In an early interview with Tom involving this new album, he stated that it would be a "stripped down" effort that looked to depart from the heavy effects found in the first album. And while the eccentric effects from the first are dulled down in this record, they are still there and are a major part of the progression. Which means that it continues the "try too hard atmospheric rock" status that I mentioned before. Sure Tom's signature croon and vocals are a comforting reminder, but he never really was one for lyrics that have true depth.
The presentation is done well though, as a constant echo is added to the mix in almost, if not, every song. Lightly tapping guitars create a glittering ambience for the songs, as chipper riffs strum with petals at the ready for another selection of effects ridden melody. They never lose the steam from their smooth and casual rock that calms your senses and even makes you a bit sleepy.
AvA continues what they had started in 2005. They still have the familiar vocals of Tom, they still incorporate a bunch of effects that make this music seem like an echoing lullaby, and they still pump out simplistic atmosphere rock. This is an alright addition and it doesn't disappoint, but it also doesn't excite me enough to care. Especially not as Tom Delonge's output for his obsession with the unknown and otherworldly carings.
~ Derek
November 28 2007 |
