The Rock Show

This has been the talk of the pop punk world for over a year at this point. We’ve heard rumors of a new Blink-182 record almost every year for half a decade, with only one LP and an EP to show for it. But this is a new Blink-182, and they’re just as anxious as we are.

It actually feels like it’s happening this time. Ever since the departure of Tom DeLonge last year and the addition of Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba as guitarist, the band has been active and vocal, with updates every couple of months in regards to songwriting for the new album. It’s been way too long since we’ve heard anything from Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, and from the interviews over the last year, they sound more energized and enthusiastic about what comes next for Blink than they have for years.

It really is impossible to know what to expect from this new form of Blink-182. Will it be the polished, mature and artsy pop punk of the last few albums? Will it be a return of the ungodly catchy skate punk and dick jokes that launched the pop punk age of the early 2000s? Or will it be something else entirely, since we’re dealing with a new Blink-182?

The only thing standing in the way is expectation. New Blink-182 music has been perched high among the most anticipated lists every year since 2009, with very little to show for it. Blink-182 is beloved. Fans have had their hopes raised before only to be disappointed. But this time, we know it’s on the way. This is arguably the most anticipated pop punk event of the decade, and there are many, many ways that it won’t live up to the expectations thrust upon it (Neighborhoods, anyone?).

But we haven’t seen Blink-182 this excited to be making music since Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker are excited. Matt Skiba is excited. And each musician has very, very rarely put out anything disappointing, regardless of project.

Whatever the outcome, this does feel like the year of Blink-182’s rebirth. With a new album, a tour is undoubtedly to follow, hopefully carrying the same energy required to put the album together. With the tumultuous path Blink-182 has tread over the last decade, seeing the trio with a newfound spirit is sure to the biggest event in punk rock this year.

by Kyle Schultz

Kyle Schultz is the Senior Editor at It’s All Dead and has worked as a gaming journalist at Structure Gaming. He lives in Chicago and was introduced to pop punk by Blink-182. No matter what, new Blink-182 is a much needed prospect.