Having read the article through a few times now i have noticed that it differs to previous Blink interviews i have read. As a group they have been out of the public eye for the past two years producing their self titled album. Although Blink are a hugely successful, international band and every young person knows a little about them i dont think there is any evidence of implied reader knowledge. After reading the title page 'But seriously folks...' we know right away Blink have grown up as it describes their old stuff is out and new mature material is the way forward. This feeling of change continues throughout the piece. It feels new, exciting and deep.
I dont think this interview was planned, as the guys seem to be relaxed and speak their mind. Which i think helps put their personality and true feelings across. They change location around three times. Each time they do the new surroundings are described and the purpose of visiting them revealed. This gives more information on the band and the audience continue to learn more about them.
As a fan of the band i am glad to say there is a fair amount of spoken text included in the article, without any nonfluenecy features such as pauses or hedges. I think its very well written. Inbetween the spoken text are narrative like passages from the writter 'Relaxing in a pancake house a mile from the coast north...'.
At times he tells us what the band are doing (their actions) during the interview 'Tom DeLonge eases himself into a chair', or he will tell us stories of their past 'It's been two years since the four million selling "Take Off Your Pants And Jacket"', he also makes sure his own opinions are heard, 'Make no mistake about it - this is a much more mature album'. All this combined makes for great reading, the different types of writing hold your interest right to the end.
Because of the nature of this article and where it has been published there is bound to be technical jargon and some slang words included in it, as it deals with a very percific topic and audience. There are words such as 'stiffs' meaning fails, used when talking about when Box Car Racer's only album was released,'candily','eponymous'and terms like 'dissmissive disdain' used when they mention hotel staff. Some readers like myself may not be able to understand all of these completly. But it gives the piece an intelligent and thourght provoking feel. Which in my opinion is a good thing as they draw it's audience in.
Adjectives used to descirbe how the band feel/felt at the time make any stories or actions descibed more realistic and believable.'Hoppus and DeLonge shift uncomfortably', 'sharp stare', 'non-committal shrug'. Something fans will appreciate.
I think fans would also like the fact that there are a couple of pictures of the band, one takes up a whole page intended to be used as a poster. Blink are even on the cover of the magazine. I think thats because they are the main feature of this issue and putting them on the front would ensure good sales.
The title page is spread over two pages. On one side is Mark and the articles title the other Tom and Travis. The title is in a large font incased in speech marks. "But Seriously folks..." this reminds me of cartoons ('thats all folks') and i think it is typical of what the guys would say, being American and all. A brief outline of what the next pages are about follows the title, 'Penis gags and "donkey-f**king songs" are out, dark thoughts and fatherhood are in for Blink182 right now. The fact their band almost split last year has everything to do with this... >'. This short, to the point introduction invites it's auidence to read on.
Over the page is one full of small text and a large photograph opposite. In the text is a section of large bold speech from Mark "At the end of 2001 it felt like Blink182 had broken up. It wasn't spoken about, but it felt over." This is the first thing i read and it makes me wonder why he would say such a thing and want to find out.
The caption on the following picture reads, "dude, did you just fart?" "Shut up Tom, we're artists now, remember?" Its just a bit of fun. Blink182 are known for playing pranks and being rude and still are, just not so much. They have finally grown up, a little.
Over onto the final page is another picture of the guys and half a page of text. The caption says 'No more fools: californian punk's clown princes get serious: (from left)...' In the picture the guys look exactly that, serious and older. Something that stands out is another quote from Mark "When Tom and Travis started Box Car Racer i felt like the odd man out. It sucked. It really sucked". Also right at the end, in bold theres information on the new album, giving the title, release date and record label.
