Review
In the aftermath of Blink-182's implosion, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker didn't just lick their wounds—they crafted a new beast with +44. The duo's debut album, "*When Your Heart Stops Beating*," is a raw, synth-laden journey through the rubble of their past. It's a record that doesn't shy away from the emotional debris, with Hoppus' voice cutting through the darkness like a searchlight. From the get-go, "Lycanthrope" sets the stage with its propulsive rhythm and brooding lyrics, while the title track soars with a melancholic fervor that's hard to shake off.
The album isn't just about breaking away from the past; it's about facing it head-on. "No, It Isn’t" is a pointed jab at the dissolution of Blink-182, wearing its heartache on its sleeve without resorting to melodrama. Barker's drumming, a force of nature, weaves through the electronic elements, creating a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly new. Sure, there are moments when the album tiptoes around its electronic ambitions, but that hesitance is part of its charm. It's the sound of two seasoned musicians feeling out their new dynamic, and even with its imperfections, "*When Your Heart Stops Beating*" stands as a testament to the courage it takes to start anew. - Darci
