“I just wish Tom does whatever makes him happy and stops holding Blink-182 back” commented Mark Hoppus in an interview with Rolling Stone last month, and it seems that DeLonge has done exactly that, announcing the release of ‘New World’, his latest solo track since emerging from the shadow of the ongoing Blink-182 feud. The first single – taken from his forthcoming album To The Stars… bares the subtitle ‘Demos, Odds and Ends’ and appears to be comprised of Blink off-cuts and previously unreleased material.
The track follows the well trodden pop-punk path that Blink-182 are so famous for, mixing up-tempo bass lines with soaring guitar riffs and lyrics like: “So seventeen again, I can hear the belling tower/ I will be devoured / Follow me to the witching hour“. It’s certainly a track that embodies the energetic angst that has become so synonymous with Blink-182 over the years.
The ongoing tension surrounding the DeLonge / Blink feud has been palpable in recent months – even gaining the nickname #DeLongegate on twitter – with both parties denying any responsibility for the split. To date, DeLonge is yet to officially quit the band, however bandmates Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus have spoken candidly on several occasions regarding their parting of ways, remarking, “His actions speak louder than whatever he feels compelled to write on an Instagram post.” Blink-182 have since entered rehearsals for upcoming shows without the bassist, subsequently telling DeLonge to just “Man up and quit”.
To The Stars… is due to be released 21 April, in a move that sees fans who have preordered the EP receiving a track a week up until it’s drop date.
