Blink-182 – California
Review by Ally Fisher
Pop-punk legends Blink-182 return to their early-aughts, mall punk sound of high-tempo riffs and impressionable beats with comeback album, California. Also alluring to fans past and present is the band’s trademark tongue-in-cheek lyrics; however, this time with slightly more matured messages of sex, growing up and adulthood (minus the 15 second lude that is “Built This Pool”).
When the band announced the comeback album sans original member, Tom DeLonge, skepticism was high amongst long-term fans who reveled in the quandary that was whether or not replacement Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio could fill the shoes that DeLonge so rightfully imprinted not only in the band itself, but in the scene. But skepticism aside, Skiba brings his own inspiration and finesse to the album, especially through his heavier vocal range, notably apparent on “Left Alone.”
However, the album, falling in at an exhausting 16 tracks, gets lost and exasperated midway through as the songs continue to exert the same formulaic pretenses of “woah-ohs” and too-commercial production, a result from album producer John Feldmann. While staying somewhat in-line as a rebirth of a classic Blink album of the likes of Dude Ranch or Enema of the State, Feldmann’s inspiration and influence on the album is clearly noticeable and even somewhat distracting for those familiar with his laundry-list resume. But distraction aside, the album first-and-foremost shines as a tip-off to the band’s early discography while also invoking a more modern alt-rock sound. “She’s Out of Her Mind” is a track extremely reminiscent of Take Off Your Pants and Jacket’s “The Rock Show” with its emphasis on catchy, slick riffs and a bridge powered by drummer Travis Barker’s hi-hat and toms whereas track “San Diego” showcases the band’s move toward modern melancholy radio rock (rightfully so given the song’s backstory that encompasses the band’s hometown and split with DeLonge) with righteously polished guitars and strong, emotional vocals.
Overall, California isn’t perfect by any means, but it’s a crowd pleaser that will reign successful and favorable by all. Classic Blink meets a new and mature Blink on the album, and while some may resent this evolvement in sound, California is still very much Blink-182– a fun, powerful album that will resonate and even inspire listeners new and old.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended Tracks: “San Diego,” “Sober” & “Home is Such a Lonely Place”
