As most of you should know, there once existed a band called Blink 182 that revolutionized pop-punk music between its start in 1992 and its indefinite hiatus in 2005. With the disappearance of Blink 182, the members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have embarked on a number of side projects, including DeLonge’s band Angels and Airwaves (AVA) and Hoppus’ and Barker’s new band, Plus 44.
The question I ask myself and implore readers to ask as well, is if these bands have enough fundamental differences from the original Blink 182 to be considered entirely separate groups, or are they just other forms of Blink created to explore small musical differences, but not different enough to justify an entirely new band?
In order to discover answers, we need to look at the musical evolution of Blink 182. Starting in 1992, Blink put out “Flyswatter,” “Buddha” and “Cheshire Cat,” but didn’t start to become truly known until the release of “Dude Ranch” in 1997, which could be described as all the talent of Blink 182 just waiting to be released. The songs contain the lyrical genius of Blink’s later material, but the guitar riffs and base lines are certainly crude and repetitive at best.
In 1998 the boys seemed to really hit home with the releases of “Enema of the State” and “Take of Your Pants and Jacket,” which are both incredibly catchy and filled to the brim with pop-punk goodness. They also contain a certain appeal to younger audiences with a much-needed parental advisory and lyrics about love, alcohol and adults just not getting it.
While it would be next to impossible to compare “Dude Ranch” with AVA or Plus 44, Blink’s untitled is the missing link. While the music on the AVA album is more synthesized and melodic than that of the untitled album, the similarities are stunning. It does not even seem like DeLonge tried to change his voice or challenge himself lyrically. While Plus 44’s album “When Your Heart Stops Beating” is not released yet, the songs available online also exemplify the same similarities.
Don’t get me wrong, the sounds are different, and the boys are obviously attempting to display musical creativity, but it also seems to be where Blink 182 was already heading. The test is the reason people are buying the albums put out by AVA and Plus 44. I know I have the AVA album and plan to buy the new Plus 44 one when it comes out this month but it is only because I like Blink 182, and to me the bands are similar enough to be the same.