Review: Blink-182 treat us to more magic on ‘California’ Deluxe

Blink-182 – California (Deluxe) – 19/05/17
8/10

It’s unbelievable to think Blink 182 have been around for two decades now, blessing us with their charming immaturity, endless penis jokes and sexual innuendos. They have established their name as one of the biggest in pop-punk, alongside Green Day as the two giants of the genre. Tunes like ‘All the Small Things’, ‘Rock Show’, ‘What’s My Age Again’ and ‘First Date’ will be passed down to generations of care free teenagers, helping them through the embarrassing journey of puberty with their witty, humorous nature of silliness.

Let’s face it though, it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the three piece. Blink did go through a big hiatus or split (whatever you want to call it) and bass player Mark Hoppus and Tom Delonge went on to seem like long lasting married couple that had lost their spark. But they returned with 2011’s Neighborhoods, which was a reasonable return but didn’t real get the balls tinkering. Similar to 2003’s Blink 182, it seemed guitarist Tom Delonge took most of the lead in the direction of the album and maybe brought a bit too much of the more experimental Angel and Airwaves side for the average Blink taste.

But then the marriage ended and Delonge controversially departed, leaving Matt Skiba to fill those sweaty converse pumps. Then came the most recent album California, in which Skiba doesn’t try and play the tribute act but takes Blink in a fresh direction.

Now, just under a year later, the release of California deluxe edition has cemented the fact that Blink 182 are no longer their former self. But don’t let that put you off these new tracks. Imagine they are a new rising talent, bursting into the scene. Forget them as the legendary trio of Delonge, Hoppus and Barker, but as a new venture. Then this album and extra deluxe edition is something worth a listen. Tracks like Bored to Death, Rabbit Hole and Sober, have now been joined by some tasty editions. ‘Wild Fire’, ‘Misery’ and ‘6/8’ are great new tunes and slip in nicely to the fresh sound of California. It’s a new start for these boys, so leave the old nostalgic Blink behind and listen up for what’s to come.

Review: Harry Owen

Danny Peart
Danny Pearthttps://www.dannypeartphotography.co.uk
Editor / Live Music Photographer / Journalist at Soundcheck-Live

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