American alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves have been working hard. Just a year after releasing their debut album, We Don’t Need to Whisper, which sold more than 127,000 copies in the US during its first week,the band returns with a new bassist and their sophomore effort, I-Empire.

What will first strike you about the band is how much music experience they have. Frontman Tom DeLonge was the former guitarist for defunct, beloved pop punk band Blink-182, and also fronted Box Car Racer along with fellow Angels & Airwaves guitarist David Kennedy. Along with drummer Atom Willard, previously of Offspring fame, and ex-30 Seconds To Mars bassist Matt Wachter, who joined their band in April, these guys definitely know their music.

According to an interview with MusicEmissions.com, DeLonge views I-Empire as the second half of their “double-album concept”, calling it a “hybrid of everything about alternative music I grew up listening to”. True enough, I-Empire has obvious influence from the 80s era of new wave and electronica. From space-like ambient sound effects to synthesized keyboards and even handclaps, the band’s sound has evolved noticeably from their gloomier, melodramatic debut album.

Fans might be surprised at the band’s change of pace. While “We Don’t Need to Whisper” was moody and mellow, like a second helping of Blink-182’s final self-titled album, I-Empire’s melodies are more upbeat, packing a punch with zealous drums and guitar melodies. The lyrics remain largely on love and angst, evident in the “Call to Arms’” chorus, “And when I wake I’m right here by your side, to feel your heart beat in and out of time.”

While Delonge’s distinct teenager-like voice complements the songs, UrbanWire can’t help but feel that the band should have outgrown these topics by now. Exploring mature, serious themes might have gone better with the grandeur melodies that the band hoped would be. In DeLonge’s words during a Kerrang! interview, “as exciting as rock & roll gets”. They haven’t quite got there yet, as the songs seem stuck between emulating the fare of older, classic bands like Pink Floyd and your run-of-the-mill teenage rock song. Another small disappointment is how tracks like “Jumping Rooftops”, a 45-second instrumental piece with interesting sound effects, could have stood out more if they were developed into a full-length song.

However, if you’re looking for something that might cheer you up or resonate with your feelings when you’re feeling a little gloomy, this album might be just the thing. UrbanWire thinks these songs will not only be spinning on your player but also in your head.

Everything’s Magic
The first single and second track off the album, “Everything’s Magic”, stands out as the most upbeat song from this release. The catchy handclaps and jangly guitars are reminiscent of 80s new wave band The Cure. This is definitely a song that will get your feet moving as you sing along to the romantic lyrics like “And watch as your heart speeds up endlessly, and look for the stars as the sun goes down”.

Love Like Rockets
The ringing bells and distorted murmurs at the start of “Love Like Rockets”, the 4th track off the album brings to mind a more up tempo, youthful version of psychedelic rock legend Pink Floyd’s classic song, “Money”. DeLonge’s voice soars over the lively drums and swirling melody as he sings about young love, with “The Earth itself is a burning ball of light, yeah, it’s like, and our first love was ignited late that night.”

Heaven
The first notes of synthetic organ and static-like sound effects soon give way to urgent drumming, while DeLonge’s familiar voice comes in strong, harmonising beautifully with the rest of the song. The final track off the album, “Heaven” is great to sing along to when you need to break a gloomy silence.

Angels & Airwaves may need some work refining their sound. Nevertheless, the band made a commendable effort to break out of the mainstream offerings; I-Empire is a refreshing change with airy, atmospheric synths and interesting layered vocals.

UrbanWire gives I-Empire 3.5 out of 5 stars.