Angels & Airwaves
We Don't Need To Whisper

THE REVIEW

Some time ago, Tom Delonge (singer and guitarist of the band, and former member of blink-182) claimed that he was about to create the biggest band in the world. Of course, no one took him seriously (myself included). Now, after two official albums, I have realized that while they may not be the biggest band in the world, Angels & Airwaves are indeed a great group. The emotions this CD inspires are intense—anger, passion, pain. It's impossible not to linger on many of the songs, which don't need technicalities to be beautiful in this masterpiece. One last note: many have compared them to U2 or The Cure; I say they have nothing to do with either: not shamelessly commercial like the (overrated) U2, nor extremely boring as The Cure can be. Let's embark on our journey with dear Tom Delonge and company.

"Valkyrie Missile"
An album can hardly start better than with this song. The introduction with strings instantly conveys a message of peace to the listener. The bass riff is fantastic, then the other instruments join in, the typical AVA (Angels & Airwaves are also known by this name) guitar riff that you'll learn to love, and the powerful and precise drumming of Atom Willard. This song acts as an intro to the work: "everyone wants to learn to love again," states Tom; "come listen to my message," he continues later; probably, the message he speaks of is the rest of the CD, which we are about to discover.

"Distraction"
It starts with the notes of a very cheerful piano; this song talks about two people in a war-torn city. The song divides itself between piano parts sung lightly and more powerful parts with guitars.

"Do It For Me Now"
A beautiful song accompanied throughout its duration by just two guitar notes (whose sound is greatly altered by effects) repeated. These notes become deliberately repetitive until they become what distinguishes this song. An excellent example showing that beauty does not necessarily mean difficulty. The song talks about the love between two people.

"The Adventure"
A true masterpiece: from the lyrics to the melody, from the "dreamy" riffs to everything else. Usual effects and special cymbals on drums initially alone in the silence, then the fantastic guitar riff (even if very simple to be honest), Tom's beautiful voice and precise drumming. The lyrics are fantastic: "I want to have the same dream again, the one where I wake up, and I'm alive" and "I'm here, and now let's go, life waits to start again" among the most impactful phrases. This song is one of many made even more beautiful by a drummer who is among the few with such musicality.

"A Little's Enough"
Another excellent song, quite catchy, hides all its magic in the lyrics, especially a phrase, spoken by an imaginary god: "I can do anything (...), but the cure is in you, just a bit of love, I promise, just a little will do." Tom again proves to be an excellent songwriter.

"The War"
Characterized by a more punk sound; a good song with Tom doing a great job highlighting even this one.

"The Gift"
Has few distinctive features, even the lyrics are not very original, but it's well sung by the always excellent Tom.

"It Hurts"
A wonderful song, opened by an almost oriental melody, followed by Tom's voice repeating "it hurts", "this hurts". The song is well accompanied by guitars, the lyrics talk about two friends who care for each other so much that they almost love. "Your best friend is not your girlfriend" seems almost a reference to Tom's ex-best friend, Mark Hoppus (former bassist of blink-182).

"Good Day"
Accompanied by piano notes (the melody is truly beautiful) it is very slow and peaceful. Another great piece, especially when Tom slows down.

"Start The Machine"
Starts with the notes of a music box-like sound and continues with a very melancholic chorus at some points where the rhythm accelerates. It splendidly concludes this great masterpiece, one of those timeless, epic, and grand works.

Tom Delonge may not have created the biggest band in the world, but he certainly came very close. Very much so.