Review of Angels & Airwaves' 'Love' (2011): A rock opera for the Digital Age

The album Love by Angels & Airwaves ("AvA") is the band's third studio release, and it showcases their signature style of blending alternative rock with spacey, atmospheric, cinematic elements.

Love was independently released on February 12, 2010, made available for free as a digital download, and sold physically in select formats. As part of a broader concept, the album coincided with the release of a companion feature film, also titled Love, directed by William Eubank. In addition to the album being respected, the film was ranked among the "Best of the Fest" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2011.

Both the album and the film explore themes of human connection, isolation, and existential questions. Of course, the pairing of an album with a film are perhaps instantly reminiscent of the Pink Floyd album The Wall. One reason for its success: The album was produced by band member Tom DeLonge, who is also known for his role in Blink-182, known for hit pop-punk songs like "All the Small Things." Of course, this style is a little different from Blink-182, but people didn't seem to mind.

The band worked on the album between 2008 and 2010, drawing inspiration from various philosophical and emotional ideas, seemingly conveyed through the musical style itself. The sound of Love is expansive and cinematic, with lush synthesizers, soaring guitar riffs, and powerful percussion. The album leans into themes of space exploration and universal human experiences, creating an uplifting yet introspective mood...well, to those who feel it anyway. Influences of post-rock and ambient music are evident, adding depth to their pop-punk roots.

Key tracks from Angels & Airwaves' Love

"The Flight of Apollo" – Opens with a dynamic energy and sets the tone for the album's explorative feel, and basically conveys the feel of a "rock opera."

"Young London" – A synth-heavy track with a vibrant rhythm, anthemic hooks, and a lead guitar line that's subtly reminiscent of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" (on that note, DeLonge is apparently releasing a signature guitar).

"Hallucinations" – One of the more personal and melodic "tear-jerker" songs, featuring heartfelt lyrics and lush instrumentation.

"Epic Holiday" – A soaring track that captures the sense of adventure and wonder central to the album.

"Some Origins of Fire" – A climactic piece that rounds out the album's themes with grandeur.

More on the album's themes

Love is conceptual, focusing on love not just in the romantic sense but as a unifying force. The album also delves into existential and cosmic themes, reflecting on humanity's place in the universe. Perhaps because of these grand themes, love was generally well-received by fans and critics for its ambitious scope and thematic depth.

Some critics noted that its expansive sound was a natural progression for Angels & Airwaves, even if it felt overly polished or theatrical at times. It is still rock, and it does have some pop-punk vibes, but it doesn't overexert itself clinging to any defining genre characteristics, and, even if a person doesn't love it, at least it sounds sincere(something that should definitely matter). The project further served Angels & Airwaves' reputation as a band willing to experiment and push the boundaries of their genre.

DeLonge has stated: "In the past, with Blink, it was like 'OK, you're breaking up with a girl or moving away to college and leaving behind your life, your family or friends, or whatever.' Very simple things that a kid in the suburbs would understand. But, really, where I'm at now — not being a kid anymore — I like the exploration of how we interact with the people around us and what we think life really is."

Love's availability as a free download helped it reach a broad audience, gaining traction in the digital music era, and making the band seem nice. Speaking

Angels & Airwaves:
Tom DeLonge – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
David Kennedy – lead guitar, keyboards, synthesizers
Matt Wachter – bass guitar, synthesizers, backing vocals
Atom Willard – drums, percussion