Category:
Rock

Try if you like:
Foo Fighters, Middle Class Rut, Our Lady Peace, The Joy Formidable, Yellowcard

I know I'm not the only one on Music Emissions that feels like I do towards Tom DeLonge's Angels and Airwaves. It's sort of a closet love but I am declaring my love for this wonderful band because they deserve the praise. I first heard AVA back when their first album We Don't Need To Whisper was coming out. The band took over a San Diego radio station, where I was on vacation at the time. When I got home I thought I would check out the band and was thoroughly impressed. I also really enjoyed their sophomore album, I-Empire. So when the band decided to release Love for free from their website I could help but be excited.

 

Angels and Airwaves continue their large stadium sound using U2 as a template but not a carbon copy. Good electronic effects and drums etc really make this album hit on all cylinders. The songs are strong, some of the high moments includes "Young London" which will be an anthemic live track for the band and "Shove", which has that cool Edge-style delayed guitar. Even "Hallucinations" has that wonderful chugging guitar that keeps it on pace. It would be a superb road trip track.

 

Tom stated at the beginning that this band would change the face of music. Not the case. Instead, this is just a great band that has a big sound demanding volume when listening. Lyrics are sometimes questionable (and cheesy at times). But as a whole package, I'd much rather listen to this than a lot of radio rock today. 

 

DeLonge also said that A&A will not die because Blink-182 is back. Instead it will run a parallel path. That's good news. They are both good bands, making DeLonge a hot commodity. Declare your Love for Angels and Airwaves. There is nothing to be ashamed of here. It may not be intelligent rock but it sure is big and powerful. Can't wait to see them live.