Angels and Airwaves are not your usual band. They are an art project; a multimedia amalgamation who have delivered a brilliant fifth studio album in The Dream Walker. On it, Tom DeLonge (also vocalist of Blink-182) and Ilan Rubin (of Nine Inch Nails) have further explored the dimensions of their own collaborative capabilities, reaching out to different audiences through the themes that circulate each record they release.
In comparison to their last two records, Love and Love: Part Two, the band have leveled up both their music experimentation and atmospheric illustrations. The record does not mask a Groundhog Dayfeel, nor does it sound like something regurgitated from previous albums; the good thing about it is that each track sounds different from the next.
The effectiveness and punch in their opener “Teenagers and Rituals” inevitably enriches the listening experience by placing down everything from keyboards to electronic elements and fast-paced drum progression. The chorus itself is quite grounded and momentous in rhythm, capturing an anthemic track with drums being prominent as well as epic electronic instrumentation.
“The Wolfpack” meets the expectation of the band’s space rock genre. The production itself has been heavily tuned to fit the theme of the record. The dimensions of this track are quite complicated but essentially it highlights the notion of continuing on this mysterious adventure by its mellow subtleties, fitting Tom DeLonge’s vocal range.
It is without a doubt that the word “inspiring” seems to resonate in the record with a sense of courage and hope too. “Tunnels” is an exemplar feature of this and the way it simplifies down everything easily matches the theme to what The Dream Walker is all about. The track gives a surge of courage as the lyrics have been thoughtfully written, meeting eye-to-eye with the music as well. “And the world is an oyster with a poisonous shell /And the look in my eye, is a look that can kill,” is a poetic highlight. It’s visionary and showcases a trademark stamp of being able to realise that we choose to believe what we believe in and that despite all the things that may diminish our beliefs, it’s important to have perseverance.
With an altern-esque direction, “Bullets In The World” strays slightly away from space rock, giving off a raw and crisp feel as the lead guitars set the scene of the track. The echoing vocals enhance the number and in terms of rhythm, it’s very catchy. Pulling apart the direction of its purpose to the record, it gives the listener an opportunity that the band can take on something different from their space rock roots and still are able to prove themselves that they’re an alternative rock band with edge.
Ending the record with “Anomaly”, the acoustic number is one for the hopeless romantics. The lyrics “My girl, I think I’m in love / It’s the scariest place to be alive” perform their purpose and provides a story of truth. It may surprise fans as it does feel like a well-deserving track on a Blink-182 record but in all honesty, it’s in its right place. Although the lyrics are melancholic and emotional, it’s a song that provides a closure of peace and serenity, ending the record beautifully.
To the people who were disappointed in their last record, Angels and Airwaves have redeemed themselves. From start to finish, the music has been thoughtfully created through energy-driven creativity and determination. Their work is underrated but that doesn’t mean it’ll go unnoticed.
Review Score: 9.0 out of 10.
The Dream Walker is out now.
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