Blink-182 - Neighborhoods

After six long years apart, four side projects, a lot of backhanded comments about other members, bad blooded interviews, pain killer addictions, the loss of their musical mentor, cancer scares, a near fatal plane crash, and a worldwide reunion tour, we are at a point where Blink-182 are just a week away from releasing their comeback album 'Neighborhoods'. A lot has changed since 2003's self titled album, but 'Neighborhoods' finds Blink back and bigger than ever, with a wealth of new influences and experiences. Singer/guitarist Tom DeLonge has his space-rock side project Angels and Airwaves to draw influence from, singer/bassist Mark Hoppus has newfound knowledge in album production and iconic drummer Travis Barker has become the go to guy for rap's biggest hitters looking for that perfect beat.
'Neighborhoods' picks up where 'Blink-182' (the album) left off. Although lyrically more somber than previous feel good, pop punk outings like 'Enema of the State' and 'Take Off Your Pants and Jacket', it still has its moments of frantic 90s punk ('Natives' could easily be a B-side from 'Enema').'Neighborhoods' is a collaboration of all that's gone before with the Blink members. It has the spacious feel of an Angels and Airwaves record ('Ghost On The Dancefloor', 'Love Is Dangerous' and closer 'Even If She Falls') the occasional punk outburst present on early Blink records and Travis and Tom's side project Boxcar Racer ('Natives', 'Heart's All Gone') and the electronics of Mark and Travis' post Blink band +44 ('Up All Night', 'Snake Charmer'). The album does of course have its smattering of classic Blink songwriting style - the back and forth vocals between Mark and Tom on 'Up All Night', the downright catchy guitar riffs on 'This Is Home' and 'Wishing Well', Mark Hoppus' ability to write great choruses on 'After Midnight' and 'Heart's All Gone' and Travis Barker's drumming which makes you wonder just how he does it. Album opener 'Ghost On The Dancefloor' won't fail to put an ear to ear smile on any long time Blink fan who's waited all these years to hear some new material and it's hard not to be caught up in the excitement that the three people who changed the face of modern pop punk have a new release. Put in the context of previous albums 'Neighborhoods' stands with the best, perhaps above them in its maturity, and textured depth.
The trio now wear their hearts on their sleeves - it's the only thing to do after going through the ordeals they have in the past 6 years. 'Neighborhoods' confirms that the Mark, Tom and Travis Show is back in business.