Angels & Airwaves — I-Empire

I-Empire improves on last year's post-pop-punk dropping We Don't Need To Whisper in all ways, but that's not saying much. Where the previous Angels & Airwaves effort sprawled, I-Empire attacks. The weapons of choice are Robert Smith-influenced vocals, Disney-influenced lyrics, sequenced phase effects and arena-ready choruses. Speaking of Smith, Tom DeLonge has some creepy infatuation issues to work out. His imitation goes beyond mere flattery to complete impersonation. Just compare the verse of lead single "Everything's Magic" to anything off Disintegration. If you're still not convinced, YouTube the video for WDNW's "The Adventure." I-Empire's bright spot is the instrumental "Star Of Bethlehem," a sincere stab at beauty and evidence that DeLonge doesn't mind sharing the spotlight. Unfortunately, because serenity is the theme for the rest of the album (if not band), its charm is spread thin. DeLonge may have come a long way from Blink-182's frat humour, but it will take more than wistful looks and weepy lyrics to take him from entertainer to artist.

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