Angels and Airwaves - We Don't Need to Whisper

Tom DeLonge knows how he'd like people to listen to We Don't Need to Whisper, the debut album from his new group, Angels and Airwaves. "I really want the room to be dark, with black light or a candle," he says. "People should have headphones on, and they should be really comfortable, maybe sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed. I spent a year and a half working on this record, trying my hardest to give people a moment of escapism. All I ask is 50 minutes of a lowered heart rate."

In just over a decade with Blink-182, DeLonge went from the San Diego suburbs to the top of the world. The band sold over 20 million records worldwide, won a wide assortment of MTV awards, and sold out arenas everywhere from London to Tokyo.

So in early 2005, with Blink-182 on a break, DeLonge came to a crossroads. Rather than do a solo album or another version of his well-reviewed side project, Box Car Racer, DeLonge decided to start a new band. He recruited Box Car Racer guitarist David Kennedy, bassist Ryan Sinn (formerly of the Distillers), and drum god Atom Willard (previously of Rocket from the Crypt and the Offspring). The quartet headed into the studio—where they would try anything to find a new sound or a new song.

The name Angels and Airwaves popped into DeLonge's head while he was driving. He wasn't certain about the name at first, but then he realized that "Angels and Airwaves" abbreviated as "AAA"—and that if he inverted the middle A, it spelled AVA, which is also the name of Tom’s daughter.

"This is the next half of Tom DeLonge's life. If you liked anything that I did in the past, this is very much the next step."

"The magic of Blink-182 was that the three of us came together to create this amazing band," he says. "But now there's no holds barred. I get to be me completely with a new group of talented musicians. We are on a different intensity level with this record, and it's something that we can't wait to share with the rest of the world. Album Description

Outstanding music, lyrics, and atmospherics

Musical innovation at its best. Count me as one of the many new AvA fans. AvA has a distinct sound that's all their own--and it's good stuff! Tom's voice is one of a kind and his lyrical ability is one of the best. Unlike Blink, AvA's lyrics are mature, optimistic, and uplifting--this is very refreshing and one of reasons I like their music so much. There is "real"-ness and grit to the lyrics, but without the contrived angst that permeates so much modern rock. Put simply, the music makes you feel good and I imagine that it's cathartic for Tom to be able to express his true voice unabashedly in ways he's never been able to do before. November 6, 2008

It's official...I'm a fan!

I grew up during the Blink 182 craze, but I never was a fan of Blink. I've heard OF Angels and Airwaves, but I never HEARD the band until I went to the Weezer concert this year ('08). I was afraid that it would be too much like Blink 182, but I was wrong. I have never heard anything like this before in a long, long time. Angels and Airwaves is the greatest thing to happen to Rock in a long time and it is like a wind of fresh air. There are so many great songs on the record, but "the War" has to be my favorite. When I heard that song I live, I became an instant fan.

This is the best work Tom has ever done. I never hated Blink, but A&A just has a more mature sound. This doesn't sound like Blink, which may turn off some long turn Blink fans, but those that like change will love this album. It's simply amazing. October 27, 2008

Very anthemic

First, do not buy this album if you are one of those blink-182 fans trying to find that same sound. This album has a more mature, fusion sound with deep lyrics. U2-esque anthemic rock mixed with melodious synth - this is a new generation of music August 29, 2008

so-so

For all the blink fans out there. Since Blink is broken up and you want to hear more music from them them. I dont recomend this one unless you are die-hard fan of Blink. I myself was dissapointed when it came out. The lead single is The Adventure, that song is the best one on their. The music is quite different from the blink albums. Tom has defintely matured on his sound and failed to live up to his word when he said it was going to change the face of rock and roll. I recommend the group Mark and Travis formed, it's called plus 44 August 15, 2008

great CD

Angels and Airwaves is one of those bands that takes you into a storm of conscious delight. With so many great guitar rifts and silent sounds that seem to appear from nowhere, this CD will help you to leave life for a while and enter the mystery of great music. June 19, 2008

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