"Cheshire Cat" is the debut studio album by the American rock band Blink-182, released on February 17, 1995. The album was recorded at Westbeach Recorders in Los Angeles and produced by O (Otis Barthoulameu) and the band itself.
"Cheshire Cat" is known for its raw sound and catchy melodies, which capture the punk rock and pop punk style that Blink-182 became famous for. It's considered a foundational album in their discography and helped the band build a solid fanbase. The album features several tracks that became fan favorites, such as "Carousel," "M+M's," and "Wasting Time."
The title "Cheshire Cat" was inspired by the fictional cat in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," which is known for its distinctive mischievous grin, hinting at the band's playful and irreverent style. Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Scott Raynor were the members during its recording, with DeLonge and Hoppus sharing vocal duties and playing guitar and bass respectively, while Raynor played drums.
Though not a massive commercial success initially, "Cheshire Cat" paved the way for the band's later breakthrough and success, showcasing their energetic and humorous approach to punk music. The album was distributed by Cargo Music and Grilled Cheese, independent labels which helped promote it within the punk rock scene. Over time, it has received positive retrospective reviews for its vitality and raw authenticity.
