After Blink 182 stated that they were going on an “indefinite hiatus” it was clear that yet more side projects were going to spring up due to the band’s demise. Tom DeLonge quickly formed Angels and Airwaves with a goal to “change the face of rock and roll forever.” Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker then came together and formed +44. Their goal wasn’t as cliché as Tom DeLonge’s, but their sound ended up being a much more truthful testimony to their skills and experience. As Angels and Airwaves still incorporate a heavy Blink 182 influence, it’s clear that +44 strayed away from the past and created something much more mature and innovative.
Be aware that the breakup of Blink 182 still plagues the minds and tempers of the ex-members. With Hoppus and Barker still in the middle of a tense relationship with DeLonge, Hoppus isn’t shy to write about it. In the track “No, It isn’t,” Hoppus reminds DeLonge that, “This isn’t just goodbye, this is I can’t stand you.”
Coinciding with the drama associated with Blink 182’s break up, +44 has a very somber, truthful sound. It’s clear that Hoppus has never sounded so down, but nothing sounds unnatural about his thoughts and voice. When Your Heart Stops Beating is one of the most self-aware albums released in a very long time. Not to mention, it sounds better and better with every listen, unlike other Blink 182 side project attempts such as Boxcar Racer.
release date: Tuesday, November 14, 2006
