Blink-182 leaving the fart jokes behind

There was a time when Blink-182's reason for being seemed limited to stunting punk rock's emotional development, keeping it at its most puerile and potty-mouthed.

Remember, this is a band that once titled a tune "Dysentery Gary."

But, hey, wiener jokes can only pay the bills for so long, and so the trio has grown up, become dads and embraced a far more sophisticated sound on their latest disc, 2011's "Neighborhoods," their first in eight years.

Further elaborating upon the sweeping U2-isms of singer-guitarist Tom Delonge's Angels and Airwaves project, the disc sees these dudes leaving the fart references to their kids.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.