Overview

+44 (spoken "Plus Forty-Four") was an American rock band formed in 2004 by former Blink-182 members Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. The project began during a pause in Blink-182's activity and combined elements of punk, pop-punk and electronic textures. The group's name references the international telephone country code for the United Kingdom.

Musical style and characteristics

+44 blended driving guitars and melodic hooks with occasional synthesizers and programmed beats, producing a sound that sat between straight-ahead punk and more radio-friendly rock. Lyrics often dealt with personal relationships, change, and the emotional fallout of band life. The band's arrangements ranged from raw, guitar-driven tracks to more layered songs that used electronic effects.

History and development

The band formed in 2004 when Hoppus and Barker sought a creative outlet while Blink-182's future was uncertain. They recruited guitarists Craig Fairbaugh (known for his work with the Transplants) and Shane Gallagher (formerly of the Nervous Return). Over the next two years they wrote, recorded and refined material that culminated in their lone full-length release.

Members and discography

  • Core members: Mark Hoppus (vocals, bass) and Travis Barker (drums).
  • Additional contributors: Craig Fairbaugh and Shane Gallagher on guitars and backing vocals.

Their principal release was the studio album When Your Heart Stops Beating (2006), which featured a mix of upbeat singles and more introspective tracks. The record received attention from fans of Blink-182 and from alternative rock radio, and the band toured to promote it.

End of activity and legacy

+44 went on hiatus on January 13, 2009, when Blink-182 announced a reunion. Although the project was short-lived, it is often cited as a transitional creative chapter for Hoppus and Barker that allowed them to explore a slightly darker, more experimental approach than their earlier pop-punk work. For further reading on the genre and associated acts, see a general overview of punk rock here and Blink-182's entry here.

Notable facts

  • The band's name is a reference to the UK dialing code, reflecting an international element to the project's origin story.
  • As a side project of prominent musicians, +44 illustrated how established artists sometimes form new groups to pursue different creative directions.