blink-182 Continue to Evolve on New Album "NINE"

"Is it better, is it better now? Are we better now, are we better now?" Mark Hoppus sings a few seconds into "Generational Divide," the 48-second ripper of an interlude that splits blink-182's new album into its two distinct parts.

The "now" in question refers to blink's hotly anticipated eighth studio album, NINE, which was released today (September 20).

NINE follows 2016's California, which was their first LP to feature vocalist and guitarist Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio), who replaced founding frontman Tom DeLonge in 2015. Singles "Blame It on My Youth," "Generational Divide," "Happy Days," "Darkside" and "I Really Wish I Hated You" trickled in nonchalantly over the summer in the midst of the band's co-headlining trek with rap giant Lil Wayne.

blink-182, "Generational Divide"

Sharing the bill with Wayne gave blink-182 versatility. It was one of those rap/rock crossovers you loved when you were younger, like Linkin Park and Jay-Z's Collision Course album. Or Aerosmith and DMC's "Walk This Way." Hell, even Post Malone's Ozzy Osbourne feature.

Travis Barker is arguably rap's favorite drummer, and has been blurring the line between rap and rock for the majority of his career. In 2011, he released a solo album called Give the Drummer Some, which featured guests like RZA, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Slash, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell, Cypress Hill, Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg and more. Most of the tracks were clearly influenced by other genres, namely "Misfits" and "On My Own."

Upon its initial release, Give the Drummer Some debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, showing the world that Travis Barker could operate as a solo entity. But it was his induction into blink-182 that gave him the opportunity to explore new avenues in the first place.

"I remember Travis rehearsing backstage for an hour or two, then playing with them during sound-check," former bandmate Adam Deibert recalled.

Barker and Deibert's ska-punk band, the Aquabats, was touring with blink-182 back in 1997 when founding blink drummer Scott Raynor announced his departure from the band. Barker filled in, learned the 20-song setlist in less than an hour and was recruited to join the band full time.

"A few of us were standing by the stage and I vividly remember the feeling of this is the new Blink," Deibert continued.

"We should have looked for a new drummer right then because it was so obvious what band [Barker] belonged in."

Barker and founding members Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge molded blink into what it is today, but permanent stand-in vocalist Matt Skiba fits the mold well, and he and Hoppus' vocals compliment each other on NINE's 15 tracks.

The album's first few tracks capture the blink-182 nostalgia factor. Opener "For the First Time," aptly recalls the feeling you get when you try something new. "First love, first high, there ain't nothing like the first time," Hoppus and Skiba sing in unison.

Follow up "Happy Days" marks Hoppus' first solo since DeLonge left the band in 2015. He says he hopes the lyrics inspire people who are going through a hard time.

"My happiest days was 1999," he said in an interview.

"Enema of the State had just come out, our star was taking off, all of our dreams were coming true, I met my wife that year. Just a great year all around. It’s all been shitty since then, everything! just down, down, down… Sucks!"

In the next few tracks, Hoppus gives us a glimpse at some of those "shitty" things he means. He opens up about his depression and anxiety, the uncertain state of the world and the dangers of social media. Although the tones and riffs are classic blink territory, the band are clearly entering a newer, more mature direction.

Songs "Heaven" and "Darkside" explore two very real modern cultural anxieties: mass shootings and depression. In "Blame It on My Youth," Hoppus and Skiba recall their younger days as outcasts, reminiscing on their bands' formations and their care-free lifestyles.

blink-182, "Blame it On My Youth"

"Generational Divide" opens up the dialogue to a bigger audience. Hoppus appears to be shouting at... who? Twitter users? Music critics? Fans with high standards? Himself? The band? It shifts the focus from personal standards to universal standards. The first half of the album is characterized by internal conflicts and anxieties. The second half has a much heavier sound, with an emphasis on external relationships.

Both "Run Away" and "Black Rain" chronicle loss, over upbeat tempos with infectious choruses. The latter song characterized by an electric rise-and-fall dynamic. You can hear blink's pop influence on back-to-back bops "I Really Wish I Hated You" and "Pin the Grenade," which sound like they could be outtakes from "11 Minutes," the song Barker worked on with YUNGBLUD and Halsey. Both songs' cathartic lyrics outline crumbling relationships over catchy pop melodies and rhythms.

"No Heart To Speak Of" is the evident standout and will undoubtedly become the fan-favorite. It simultaneously channels the band's 2003 sound as well as their musical maturity. It's fast, furious and lyrically poignant, but also a reminder that blink are a true force to be reckoned with.

blink-182, "No Heart To Speak Of"

If you didn't already know, NINE confirms that blink-182 are as important, prolific and influential as ever, not only in the punk genre, but in the music world.

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Last updated: 28 Mar 2024, 16:49 Etc/UTC