Artist: Angels & Airwaves
Album: We Dont Need To Whisper
Link: http://www.angelsandairwaves.com
Reviewer: Derek

AVA is: Tom DeLonge, David Kennedy, Adam "Atom" Willard, Matt Wachter

Let me preface this review buy being incredibly opinionated and a bit narcissistic. What originally attracted me to metal, punk and hardcore as a kid was the power, the pain, the release, the ultimate realness associated with the music. In my opinion the same can be said for artwork, pain always leads to great art. In my early 30s I have learned that the best art doesnt always revolve around angst. In the case of Angel and Airwaves, throw out any preconceived thoughts you might have of Tom DeLonge, this band is not Blink 182. Angels And Airwaves is an obvious epiphany about the true meaning of life. Instead of writing songs about poop and jacking off, DeLonge is no longer hiding behind crude humorous pop punk songs. Instead he is opening up his pains from the past and allowing us all to see that thru it all it is ok to be......well.....human!

DeLonge has surrounded himself with musicians that are capable of writing music that is very large. When I first sunk my teeth into "Valkyrie Missile" I thought instantly of U2. The finger plucking licks screamed of U2s signature sound, while the band has a very large sound that has almost a Pink Floyd aura to it. Meanwhile DeLonge is almost prophetic when he says; "Got a lot.........oh hell of a lot to say, even if it hurts sometimes." Based on the response this band has received from the media, it is safe to say the message is loud and clear.

Navigation thru "We Dont Need To Whisper" is easy. There is no hints of punk, there is no sophomoric behavior. Each track stands alone and has a very clear message about nothing more then the loss of innocence. Growing up is realizing you arent invincible and that hurting is all apart of grasping eventual wisdom. Musically the band creates an epic sound from track to track with synth, clear channel guitars, subtle bass, and drums licks that simply "rattle and hum" if you catch my drift.

I felt the need to write this review for HTP to give those people who are not 30 and above, a chance to really sink their teeth into something completely striking without the use of power chords. No screams, no breakdowns, no gang vocals. The emotion comes from a sincere place, while the band gives props to their rock elders while still keeping the material fresh. Give yourself a C3PO memory wipe when approaching this effort, you might really be moved by the journey.

Track Listing

"Valkyrie Missile"

"Distraction"

"It Hurts"

"Do It For Me Now"

"The Adventure"

"The War"

"A Little's Enough"

"The Gift"

"Good Day"

"Start The Machine"