Media Diary- California (Blink-182) Review

Blink-182 'California' Album Review 

Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California in 1992. Currently, the band consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, drummer Travis Barker, and guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba. Originally founded by Hoppus, guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Scott Raynor, the band emerged from the Southern California punk scene of the early 1990s and first gained notoriety for high-energy live shows. However, much to the upset of fans, in February 2005 a press statement was issued announcing the band's "indefinite hiatus." The band had broken up after members' arguments regarding their future and recording process.  

Despite this original disappointment, the band have recently released the much hyped album 'California' featuring new guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba replacing Tom DeLonge. Described as an upbeat, catchy record with a signature throwback feel to represent the bands musical establishment and innovative techniques to refresh the moral of their previous music. 

Following its release on July 1, 2016, 'California' debuted at No.1 on both US and UK album charts, following the success of the release of the albums leading single 'Bored to Death' which also topped the singles chart in the US and the UK. It sold 172,000 copies in its first week, with the remainder of its unit total reflecting the album's streaming activity and tracksales. It marked the band's second number one album and first in over 15 years, when 'Take Off Your Pants and Jacket' debuted at number one in 2001. It also knocked Drake's Views from the summit after having spent nine weeks at the top. The album became the band's first to top the charts in the United Kingdom, selling 24,000 copies in its debut week. Which I believe to be deserving for the all over experience provided when listening to this album 

Starting with the physical appearance of the album, the album's artwork was created by English street artist D*Face, due to drummer Travis Barkers fondness of his work. According to D*Face, the trio "wanted the artwork to represent California, but with a subversive side to show that it's not always great and there's always something under the surface, in the underbelly." I believe that this is effectively shown within the cover as it shows the stereotypical representation of a Californian, sporting wind-swept hair and sun kissed skin and hair whilst also representing what appears to be a skeletal being with dark hair and corresponding features.   

The album opens with addressing nerves and anxiety, with lyrics such as "There’s a moment of panic when I hear the phone ring/Anxiety’s calling in my head.” The slightly gloomy start quickly dissipates into the sort of thrash that powers most garage punk, but it never entirely leaves the record; the intense California takes it's time to reveal its true message, from wound-licking power ballads (Home Is Such a Lonely Place) to high-shining songs that closely resemble past hits. The impressive leading single Bored to Death sports a rubbery, extremely addictive guitar intro just one note  away  from replicating Adam’s Song, a hit from their 1999 breakout Enema of the State, and boasts a chorus with a truly deep meaning (“Life is too short to last long”). This indicates that blink are aiming to hold onto a glimpse of their successful past whilst sky-rocketing into their future. 

Although some may argue that with the replacement of founding member Tom DeLonge and each member officially reaching 40, that they have simply passed their time. However, I couldn’t argue against this enough. With the release of California, Blink-182 have clearly shown that they are still able to create songs which not only hold meaning to the listeners, but still are blessed with the bands signature guitar riffs and endlessly catchy hooks, they surely did not disappoint.