3 Of The Week: Old Dogs, New Songs

When a band puts out new music it can be a confusing time for old fans. Some expect a return to form, while others defend the new direction. Somewhere in the middle of these extremes is usually where the band lies, hoping to retain their following while cultivating new listeners and balancing a truth to passion. Regardless of which side you find yourself on, public opinion is hardly ever unanimous. Here’s three new songs from old bands making a stir this week.

Fall Out Boy – “Young and Menace”

Fall Out Boy has divided fans since the hiatus ending album Save Rock and Roll. They’re back at it again with “Young and Menace” off their upcoming album Mania. The song features heavy electronics that were likely the influence of producer Jesse Shatkin, whose work can be recognized on hits like Sia’s “Chandelier”. If there is any reason for fans to be up in arms it would be the decision to have Stump and the gang hold instruments for the music video. There’s no need to pretend.

Blink-182 – “6/8”

Pop-punkers everywhere rejoiced at Blink-182’s reformation back in 2009. Since then, forming member Tom Delonge has left the band, but Blink saw their highest charting album in years with Matt Skiba on California. Last year Travis Barker announced a deluxe edition of the record that would include songs previously written, but unreleased for the album. The latest single “6/8” shows a more aggressive Blink-182 than anyone has ever heard before.

Gorillaz – “The Apprentice”

For the past month Gorillaz have been hard at work promoting their newest album Humanz. The album references a catastrophic world changing event, yet maintains an attitude of positivity and dance. Like most Gorillaz albums Humanz boasts an impressive list of guest appearances ranging from American rappers like Vince Staples, D.R.A.M., and Danny Brown, to Jamaican deejay Popcaan, and English rocker Jehnny Beth. “The Apprentice” was the last single before the release of Humanz.