Music
To the Stars . . . Demos, Odds and Ends
Blink-182 dude has trouble finding a clear solo identity
Growing up pop-punk is hard to do. Tom DeLonge’s trials have been particularly public, with ongoing rifts with his Blink-182 bandmates and a foray into overindulgent space rock with Angels and Airwaves. On this solo set, DeLonge tries to find a new way forward, culling from unreleased songs originally intended for both bands. “New World” effectively reins in the grandiosity that often mars Angels and Airwaves, and “Golden Showers in the Golden State” is almost as filthy and funny as early Blink at their best. But if this “Suburban King” wants to rise again, he may need some help from his friends.