Angels and Airwaves

“I-Empire”

Release date: Nov. 6, 2007

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Record label: Geffen Records

www.angelsandairwaves.com

Tom DeLonge is trying to take over the world – or at least the world of music.

The former voice of Blink 182 and the current front man and vocalist for Angels and Airwaves said in a Myspace post that his band’s latest album, “I-Empire,” is about the world being available for the taking.

“I-Empire is the second half of our first album. It reflects the idea that the world is yours for the taking and that all that exists, exists inside you,” DeLonge wrote.

“I-Empire,” the sophomore album from alternative-rock band Angels and Airwaves, builds upon this theme in a CD with powerful lyrics and sub-par instrumentals.

The album works well as background music, as neither the instrumentals nor DeLonge’s voice draw attention, allowing listeners to focus on more important things, such as writing a research paper or studying for an economics exam.

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However, listening closely to the album and paying special attention to the lyrical content makes up for the shoddy music.

DeLonge’s words are ripe with emotion and full of earnest, a feeling easily evoked through his pre-pubescent sounding voice.

“And do you ever feel like you’re alone? And do you ever wish to be unknown? I can say that I have,” DeLonge sings in “Everything’s Magic.”

“Call to Arms,” the opener on the album, is a powerful, driving track that hooks listeners and gives them hope for a strong album.

Unfortunately, the rest of the album is a let down, as if “Call to Arms” were a helium-filled balloon and the remaining tracks were a small air leak, causing the balloon to slowly and pathetically deflate.

Many of the tracks sound incredibly similar, using the same chord progressions and melodies.

DeLonge brought more than his vocal tone from his former band, reusing several guitar riffs from Blink 182.

Even listeners not proficient in recognizing recycled riffs will notice the almost note-for-note recreation of Blink 182’s intro to “Anthem, Pt. 2” in the second track on “I-Empire.”

Blink 182 fans may enjoy the new album from Angels and Airwaves for the nostalgia of hearing DeLonge’s vocals and the recycled riffs, but “I-Empire” is a step backward musically from the band’s previous album and offers listeners nothing new.

Audra Ord can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275 or [email protected].