iSound

After the blink-182 hiatus in February of 2005, both Hoppus and Barker wanted to keep working on music, and started writing and recording new songs together in Barker's basement and Hoppus' dining room and living room. Originally, the two were using electronic drums, keyboards, samples and direct computer recording. While working on demos, the two invited punk rock vocalist Carol Heller to sing a song. Satisfied with her performance, the three kept working on other songs also. During the spring of 2005, guitarist Shane Gallagher joined the band. In October of 2005, Barker and Hoppus purchased a studio. According to Hoppus, this move marked a "turning point for (+44)",as the band started working in that studio exclusively, and was finally able to play live drums and loud guitars and vocals. The electronic element of the band became less prominent, but still a key element of the band's sound. By that time Heller found she did not fit well with the band's new direction, and ...