After a successful career spanning from 1992 to 2005 and several years of an on and off hiatus since 2009, iconic punk rock band Blink-182 released single “Bored to Death” in anticipation of the upcoming release of their seventh album titled “California.”
“California,” scheduled to be released on July 1, is their first album since the 2015 departure of founding guitarist Tom DeLonge and instead features Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba. The album’s single, “Bored to Death” showcases the band’s loyal adherence to their trademark punk rock anthemic sound, despite a significant lineup change that initially made the band’s future endeavors uncertain.
To long-time Blink-182 fans, “Bored to Death” is reminiscent of the band’s prime; energetic drums and guitars, coupled with memorable lyrics reassure fans that the band will not sacrifice their unique musical style for a more mainstream sound—a trend that bands such as Paramore and Fall Out Boy have succumbed to in the past several years. Because of its classic Blink-182 sound, “Bored to Death” could easily find its place in mid-career, more polished albums such as 1999’s “Enema of the State” and 2003’s “Blink-182”.
While Blink-182’s music style has remained relatively unchanged, “Bored to Death’s” pensive tone and message showcases the band’s maturity as all three members are now in their forties. “Bored to Death” reminds listeners of times of adolescence through a recount of a teenager’s awkward experience with his or her first love: “And it’s a long way back from seventeen/The whispers turn into a scream/And I’m, I’m not coming home…I think I met her at the minute that the rhythm was set down/I said I’m sorry I’m a little bit of a letdown/But all my friends are daring me to come over.” This touch of nostalgia is expected to be a prevalent theme throughout the rest of “California,” as the title of the album itself is a nod to Blink-182’s place of origin.
Although Matt Skiba had been under intense scrutiny by fans and critics alike since announcing his collaboration with Blink-182, he integrates himself seamlessly in “Bored to Death.” His guitar playing and alternating vocals throughout the single add depth to the music without stealing the spotlight from Blink-182 frontman Mark Hoppus. Skiba’s influence does not take away from Blink-182’s traditional sound, but rather invigorates it with a fresh perspective that allows it to adapt to the modern music scene and appeal to younger and newer listeners.
Despite having an extensive career lasting over a decade and undergoing a rearrangement of band members, Blink-182 persists as an unforgettable icon of punk rock evident in the musical style of “Bored to Death.” The single makes the perfect anthem for the summer with its simple and relatable message, along with its minimal, but effective guitar lines and instrumentals. Its praise among all fans, old and new, makes the band’s upcoming album “California” one of the most anticipated releases of the summer. Blink-182 will embark on a North American summer tour with A Day To Remember, All-American Rejects and All Time Low starting in early June.
