Two albums post-Tom Delonge, Blink-182 sounds self-aware, embracing angsty past
Don’t be mistaken. NINE is nothing like turn-of-the-millenia Blink. The band’s latest album revives their old sound, owning up to their angsty punk-rock origins and facing Mark Hoppus’ ongoing battle with depression. It’s safe to say that the band has successfully found their footing after co-lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Delonge, left the band in 2015. Delonge, who co-founded the band with Hoppus while they were in college, gave the band their reputation for being immature prankster heartthrobs.
Their evolved sound lies somewhere between electronic and alt-rock, using contemporary production techniques to put forward anthems and quick bangers for new and old fans alike, such as “I Really Wish I Hated You” and” Pin the Grenade”. If you haven’t listened to these legends before, I really recommend diving into their old youtube videos before listening to the new tracks to really get a grasp of how much Delonge’s replacement, Matt Skiba (from Alkaline Trio), has helped their musical growth.
9/10
Trial Track: “Darkside”
Star Bar:
Photographs of you are still haunting my halls/
Still framed in blue, saying nothing at all/
Sacrifice myself, leave me dead in the sun/
Put it on a shelf, leave it there for everyone to see (“No Heart To Speak Of”)
