The new album from rock/alternative band Plus 44, “When Your Heart Stops Beating,” made its debut Nov. 14.
Plus 44 features former pop-rock phenomenon Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus (vocals/bass) and Travis Barker (drums/keyboard) as well as Craig Fairbaugh (guitar/back up vocals) and Shane Gallagher (lead guitar).
Nov. 14 was a big day for Barker. It was not only his birthday, but also the day his new project with Plus 44 was released to the public with plenty of anticipation. Plus 44 has built a loyal fan base since its first live performance this year at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 7.
The opening track on the album, “Iycanthrope,” is an upbeat pop-rock song featuring the vocals of Hoppus that definitely brings us back to the days of Blink 182.
The second song on the album, “Baby Come On,” does just the same. With guitar riffs holding the Blink 182 vibe, Plus 44 is able to produce songs that are familiar, catchy and enjoyable.
The opening single, “When Your Heart Stops Beating,” is next. This track is unique and gives us a preview of what Plus 44 is trying to accomplish musically. This track has a distinctive sound, and it is harder and bolder yet still has the catchy lyrics and vocals that are entertaining. This is the kind of track that Plus 44 is all about.
Next on the album is “Little Death,” opening with memorable drum beats and a slower tone that gets you to appreciate that “a little death makes life more meaningful…”
Next on the album is “155.” Plus 44’s sound is distinctive on this track. The drum beats, bass and guitars are beautifully mixed with the unique sounds of the keyboard to create a great track.
Plus 44 has a talented lineup with guitarists Shane Gallagher, formerly of punk rock band The Nervous Return, and Craig Fairbaugh formerly of Transplants, The Forgotten and Lars Fredericksen and the Bastards.
“Lillian” is the next track on the album. This song is slower with lyrics “Between love and submission/And I’m not that obedient… And she’s trying to sleep it off/With her head on my shoulder/And I’m trying to keep it out/Of my thoughts when I hold her.”
Next, the album represents the Plus 44 sound with songs such as “Cliffdiving,” “Interlude” and “Weatherman.”
The next two tracks on the album, “No, It Isn’t” and “Make You Smile,” feature the band’s former member Carol Heller (guitar/vocals). Heller left the band before its debut album because she wasn’t heading in the same creative direction as the other members of the band. She also wanted to focus on starting a family.
The widely anticipated album release is accompanied by a number of live shows, as the band will begin touring that same day. Plus 44 will also be appearing on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and performing Dec. 9 at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas.
