blink-182 - Buddha (LP, 2024 White Vinyl)

This 2024 Reissue LP is pressed on White vinyl.

Blink-182's debut demo album, Buddha, is a seminal release that marked the beginning of the band's illustrious career. Recorded and released in January 1994 under the name Blink, this 32-minute album was the band's first recording to be sold and distributed. Produced by Pat Secor at Doubletime Studios in Santee, California, Buddha was released via Kung Fu Records and features a raw, unbridled energy that would become a hallmark of the band's sound.

The album's 15 tracks, including 'Carousel', 'T.V.', and '21 Days', showcase the band's early punk influences and catchy, pop-infused melodies. Buddha was blink-182's third demo tape, following Flyswatter and Demo No.2, and its release was made possible thanks to a loan from Pat Secor, Mark Hoppus's employer at the time.

Although most of the tracks from Buddha were re-recorded for the band's subsequent releases, this album remains a fascinating glimpse into the band's formative years. With its lo-fi production and DIY ethos, Buddha is a must-listen for fans of blink-182 and punk rock enthusiasts alike. The album's genre-bending sound, which blends elements of pop punk, punk, emo pop, rock, and skate punk, has had a lasting influence on the music scene. Buddha was re-issued on 27 October 1998, introducing the band's early work to a new generation of fans. Overall, Buddha is a significant release in blink-182's discography, offering a unique insight into the band's early days and the development of their signature sound.