Review 17 of 19

TCA writes:

5of 5 Stars

An album which will no doubt bring split opinions with them ranging from 'terrible' to 'awe-inspiring'. I go strongly for the latter and must begin by saying that these songs are the work of an excellent songwriter in Tom DeLonge.

Not only does this 10 track album amaze but it does from all the way through from Valykrie Missile onwards. The songs scream euphoria and the first single "The Adventure" is as epic a song I have ever heard.

Be warned though, I myself have heard people opinions through my friends and whilst some feel the same sense of euphoric listening, others dismiss it as average. An opinion which confuses me in the extreme.

Fans of Blink should not buy this in a hope of a continued punk rock experience. This album loses the immaturity of Blink 182 in favour of a sound reminiscent of Pink Floyd and The Cure. But nonetheless, they should buy it on the album's merits alone.

Buy it. Love it.

May 27, 2006 12:43:00

Review 18 of 19

Ed102 writes:

5of 5 Stars

Listen to 'We Don't Need to Whisper' all the way through and you will discover how much Tom Delonge has grown as a musician. He is not limited to simple power chords or the constraints of a three-piece punk band any longer and the record shines because of this. He was very comfortable in the studio and thus took huge risks-Most of which pay off. Examples: In 'Start the Machine' he used a toy piano to get the sound he wanted. There are keyboards in many of the songs as well as effects he didn't know existed in the 'Enema...' days. This CD will take you through a hard, fast verse, then let you settle into a smooth, relaxing chorus and finally bring you back with a head-bobbing outro...All in one song. Tom wanted to create 5-minute long arena songs that will make you feel the music, and he succeeded. (If you get the chance to see AVA live, go! Tom's energy alone is worth the admission.)

May 26, 2006 21:25:46

Review 19 of 19

iskander writes:

1of 5 Stars

I don't even know where to start with this album... it's just painful to listen to. All I wanted was something to hold me over until Plus 44's album comes out (if it ever does! ahh!) and all I get is some sort of terrible Boxcar Racer remix... full of brutal synth and power chords to cover up empty spots where DeLonge couldn't come up with any more empty and lame lyrics. This album is a disaster from start to finish. Every song sounds the same, and it feels like they just took Boxcar Racer and threw in influences of every band they've ever heard. Some parts almost sound Creed or Nickelback like (and I don't mean that in a good way). I almost pictured DeLonge standing in a field with his "arms wide open" and meteors falling from the sky. While DeLonge was blowing his efforts out of proportion in interviews, making what I am sure will be a truly bad "movie", and whoring his shoe line, he should have been working on making a decent attempt at an album. It almost sounds like Blink 182's awesome final album if it completely fell apart. I'm sure this album will be defended to the grave by Blink 182 fan boys (and girls) but I just hope more reviews like the Rolling Stone one come out to let everyone know just how mediocre this attempt seriously was. I guess this is proof surrounding yourself with talent doesn't guarantee something worth listening to.

May 26, 2006 15:26:21