2008 Woodie Awards
Angels & Airwaves are not U2
By: By Mike Fuksman
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Lifeline
Tom DeLonge wants to be Bono in the worst way.
This much is clear after checking out his new band Angels & Airwaves' newest release, "I-Empire."
The record is full of the same kind of anthems that propelled Irish band U2 to super-stardom.
However, it's also full of DeLonge's trademark vocal style.
In case you've been living under a rock for the last decade, the aforementioned style is the worst kind of whiny, heartbroken-teenager garbage. It's a method DeLonge "perfected" in his previous band, Blink 182.
Though his intentions may be for the best, his vocal style just doesn't translate well to this kind of music. His vocals might have been a bit more tolerable, if it weren't for the terrible writing.
The lyrics are cheesy at best, and downright stomach-turning at their worst, particularly on the tune "Breathe."
That said, the music itself actually is pretty decent. Again, there are echoes of U2 and other modern rock bands; the guitars are drenched in echo and similar sound effects, and the drums are loud and propulsive. The song "Secret Crowds" has just the right blend of punky urgency and calming melody.
There even are a few electronic elements, such as the synth drums on the tune "Sirens."
The two-minute instrumental "Star of Bethlehem" is a great electronic-influenced track, and is the most interesting tune on the album. Maybe that's because DeLonge doesn't sing during it?
Pianos and various other odds and ends can be found throughout, giving the record at least a little semblance of originality.
DeLonge pinched musicians from 30 Seconds To Mars and Box Car Racer (his "other" other band), and they are certainly accomplished musicians in their own right.
But in the end, it's just one boring rock anthem after another; needless to say, it gets pretty old after the first few tunes.
You can give DeLonge and his crew a few points for at least trying, and it certainly beats the hell out of DeLonge's last band. But DeLonge's just reaching too high on this one.
Some of you may remember DeLonge proclaiming Angels & Airwaves' first record, "We Don't Need To Whisper," as some of "the best music made in decades."
He even compared Angels & Airwaves to bands like Pink Floyd, Radiohead and the previously mentioned U2.
Sure, Tom. Just keep telling yourself that.
lifeline@cm-life.com
This much is clear after checking out his new band Angels & Airwaves' newest release, "I-Empire."
The record is full of the same kind of anthems that propelled Irish band U2 to super-stardom.
However, it's also full of DeLonge's trademark vocal style.
In case you've been living under a rock for the last decade, the aforementioned style is the worst kind of whiny, heartbroken-teenager garbage. It's a method DeLonge "perfected" in his previous band, Blink 182.
Though his intentions may be for the best, his vocal style just doesn't translate well to this kind of music. His vocals might have been a bit more tolerable, if it weren't for the terrible writing.
The lyrics are cheesy at best, and downright stomach-turning at their worst, particularly on the tune "Breathe."
That said, the music itself actually is pretty decent. Again, there are echoes of U2 and other modern rock bands; the guitars are drenched in echo and similar sound effects, and the drums are loud and propulsive. The song "Secret Crowds" has just the right blend of punky urgency and calming melody.
There even are a few electronic elements, such as the synth drums on the tune "Sirens."
The two-minute instrumental "Star of Bethlehem" is a great electronic-influenced track, and is the most interesting tune on the album. Maybe that's because DeLonge doesn't sing during it?
Pianos and various other odds and ends can be found throughout, giving the record at least a little semblance of originality.
DeLonge pinched musicians from 30 Seconds To Mars and Box Car Racer (his "other" other band), and they are certainly accomplished musicians in their own right.
But in the end, it's just one boring rock anthem after another; needless to say, it gets pretty old after the first few tunes.
You can give DeLonge and his crew a few points for at least trying, and it certainly beats the hell out of DeLonge's last band. But DeLonge's just reaching too high on this one.
Some of you may remember DeLonge proclaiming Angels & Airwaves' first record, "We Don't Need To Whisper," as some of "the best music made in decades."
He even compared Angels & Airwaves to bands like Pink Floyd, Radiohead and the previously mentioned U2.
Sure, Tom. Just keep telling yourself that.
lifeline@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 10
Mike
posted 11/07/07 @ 9:20 PM EST
"...and it certainly beats the hell out of DeLonge's last band."
I really don't see how you could say this. Blink-182 was one of the most influential bands of our generation. (Continued…)
Josh
posted 2/12/08 @ 6:58 AM EST
You obviously are quite an opinionated person, but just because it is not your particular taste does not mean you have the right to shred the album to pieces. (Continued…)
Jake
posted 2/13/08 @ 11:27 AM EST
"the Edge's guitar work is questionable at times." I believe you lost all music credibility with that comment right there.
I'll agree that Angels and Airwaves aren't as bad as the reviewer said above, to even mention them along with U2 is laughable. (Continued…)
Angeline
posted 3/10/08 @ 3:20 PM EST
Just because you dont like Angels and Airwaves doesnt mean that other people dont so you dont have the right to talk shit about them....ALOT OF PEOPLE LOVE ANGELS AND AIRWAVES. (Continued…)
angx2cute
Angeline
posted 3/10/08 @ 3:24 PM EST
Just because you dont like Angels and Airwaves doesnt mean that other people dont so you dont have the right to talk shit about them....ALOT OF PEOPLE LOVE ANGELS AND AIRWAVES. (Continued…)
buck
posted 3/12/08 @ 11:27 AM EST
"Just because you dont like Angels and Airwaves doesnt mean that other people dont so you dont have the right to talk shit about them" -Angeline
Well he was reviewing the album. (Continued…)
Skalor
posted 11/05/08 @ 8:43 PM EST
I don't get how you said "That said, the music itself actually is pretty decent." but also said "But in the end, it's just one boring rock anthem after another"
When Tom said "the best music made in decades. (Continued…)
Kyle
posted 11/06/08 @ 10:18 PM EST
I am not a fan of this genre of music as well, but I do have to say that this review is the worst I've seen in a while. How can you say it's pretty decent, then call it boring? Which one is it? You sound like a politician who can't figure out what he stands for. (Continued…)
ethan
posted 11/14/08 @ 2:34 AM EST
AvA is horrible playing live, but they have perfected the studio sound to the max, in my opinion. It really is a new- space rock sound that people either hate or love, but no in between. (Continued…)
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