Angels And Airwaves – ‘The Adventure’ (Suretone/Geffen) Released 08/05/06

Having played a major role in the transition from dick and fart joke bubblegum-punk band, to respected emo punk outfit – Tom DeLonge was the reason Blink did so well. His song writing abilities were never given full attention until the glimmer of hope that was the self titled Blink album shone through. Box Car racer was a taster for what things were to come, his artistic direction constantly maturing and gaining Blink 182 more than just 14-year-old-kid-credibility. ‘The Adventure’ is an undeniably catchy and beautiful song. There are no over stretched riffs, just beautifully layered guitars that punch a hole through the shackles of immaturity that held DeLonge back. With sampled electronic beats, heavy programming and triumphant guitars, his new aesthetic is interestingly new yet slightly familiar of his earlier works. Claiming Angels And Airwaves as more than just a side project, it is easy to see that DeLonge has tried his hardest to subdue any would-be cynics as this promising direction is refreshing and surprisingly addictive.