Travis Barker: 'Blink-182's new album is best yet'

Blink-182's Travis Barker is confident the band's upcoming album is some of their best work to date.

The American rock band was formed in 1992 and currently consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, drummer Travis and guitarist and singer Matt Skiba, who joined following the exit of Tom DeLonge in 2015.

The band's seventh album, California, is set for release on 1 July (16), after its lead single Bored to Death premiered in April (16). Speaking about making new music, Travis, 40, explained he and his fellow bandmembers have great synergy.

"We've made one of the best albums in Blink-182's history," he told Kerrang! magazine. "So, I don't feel like anything is missing or there's any element that is stopping this from being complete. We're a well-oiled machine - there's no lack of creativity or work ethic."

Mark, 44, describes the album as being influenced by California living, and features a song called Los Angeles and one called San Diego. He notes that they give shout-outs to punk rock bands like Rancid and Bad Religion too.

"It's a very upbeat, energetic, positive record, but with a dark, weird underside, which I think is how we feel about California - a place where great things happen," Mark continued, adding that his lyrics are inspired by events that have happened to him or his friends.

Mark also touched upon Matt's seamless transition into Blink-182 and remembers how at the first shows he played, fans chanted his name before he took to the stage.

And 40-year-old Matt, who also plays with punk rock band Alkaline Trio, is enjoying every moment.

"I just do my best to stay present and take everyday as it comes," he said. "It can be daunting to think about the next year, and as exciting as it is, it's a lot of work. I'm really excited about it and, right now, I'm doing blink."

Blink-182's California tour will kick off in San Diego on 22 July (16) and concludes on 1 October (16) in Los Angeles. The trek will be supported by A Day to Remember, the All-American Rejects and All Time Low on certain dates.