Angels and Airwaves - I Empire
When Blink 182 parted ways I was one of many who felt cheated, disappointed and wondered what the world of music would hold without this humorous, entertaining and funky threesome. The answer came when Mark and Travis moved on to form +44 and Tom formed Angels and Airwaves. After the success of the debut album 'We Don't Need to Whisper', about 're-birth' of life, they focused on their second release 'I-Empire' an album about what you do after the re-birth. It reflects the world is yours for the taking, and all that exists is inside you.
The new album is a departure from the heavy effects found in their debut release. It begins with the enhancing of beeps, to a drum roll, to a catchy guitar riff of 'Call To Arms' on which are piled some explosive points. Through the album there are handclaps used as musical instruments on 'Everything's Magical', the gentle keys fluttering around on 'Love Like Rockets' which brings an ending of combined instruments that link together to produce some excellent rhythms, the underneath bass of 'Sirens' encourages a very catchy chorus, the developmental increase in sound of 'Secret Crowds' builds an intense and darker atmosphere and the organ style beginning of 'Heaven' gradually intensifies the sound and increases anxiety in a listener.
If all this sounds like a bundle of joy to the ear, take a listen to the two instrumentals; 'Star Of Bethlehem' offers an effective and atmospheric start gradually intensifying with the addition of a drums beat to make way for the next track; while 'Jumping Rooftops' begins with a scratchy effect, beeps and electronics, but the sound system fade as it looses power.
Tom's vocals on this album are exactly what you would expect if you have ever listen to a Blink record. They are distinctive on the ballad 'Breathe', striking on the acoustic ending of 'Love Like Rockets' highlighting the vocal talent and effective "lala's" on 'Sirens' lightening up the mood of the track.
Many different avenues are explored within this album. The most personal track being 'Rites Of Spring', written by Tom, it talks of his journey from adolescent to adult life, teenage life and how he started Blink 182. When writing, lyrics such as "I held your hand as I pulled you in/Your lips sealed tight ready to begin/I kissed you first then you kissed my ear/If I ask you once will you ask me every year?" from 'Love Like Rockets' the words flow alongside the music like a poem.
For good measure there is a live rendition of 'It Hurts', to give you a taste of what a live performance would get you experiencing. There is a lot offered from the album; it's great to hear Tom's musical talent wasn't lost.