Review: Not too long ago, the prospect of pop-punk legends Blink-182 reuniting with founding vocalist/guitarist Tom DeLonge was nothing more than a fanboy pipe-dream. Originally going on indefinite hiatus in 2005, leading to the formation of subsequent new projects (Angels & Airwaves, +44), before reforming in 2009 for a comeback tour and the eventual release of the criminally underrated Neighourhoods, DeLonge would depart yet again, leading to an era of divisive lukewarm reception from the fanbase while Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio would fill DeLonge's place for the band's next two full-lengths California and Nine. In the years since, vocalist/bassist Mark Hoppus overcame his battle with cancer, leading to another, perhaps more organic and mature reconciliation process. The resulting turmoil has ultimately led to One More Time; the trio's ninth LP overall and seventh with DeLonge (following Skiba's amicable departure). Taking cues from their vastly differing side-projects, and distilling a myriad of sonic experimentation into a rejuvenated formula, the material here marks the most potent and dynamic work from all involved to date, while also boasting the first producer credit for drummer Travis Barker (who has previously worked with the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Aaron and Goody Grace). Reliably juvenile yet deeply mature, progressive, punk and pop in equal facets, this is the LP lifers have been begging of the pop-punk overlords for many a moon.
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