GIG REVIEWS
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GIG REVIEWS |
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Jimmy Eat World
@ Leeds University 22.02.08 www.vanguard-online.co.uk Commercially, Jimmy Eat World are probably as big as they are going to get. Artistically, however, the Arizona quartet continue to scale new heights with new album ‘Chase This Light’ a master class in polished power pop that should carry an endorsement from Mr Sheen! But, the glossier their recorded output, the more difficult it is to translate the songs to a ragged live environment. Opening number ‘Big Casino’ should have been the night’s rallying call to arms but instead is rendered rather flat, whilst the disco stomp of ‘Here It Goes’ lacks the fizz of its studio counterpart. The rest of the night’s performance isn’t as disappointing, although it’s evident that Jimmy Eat World are going through the motions compared to their splendid Metropolitan University gig last spring. Even so, the touching ‘Here You Me’ and the majestic ‘23’ ensure that their sincerity and melodic excellence ultimately shines through. Their image may be non-descript but, where lesser contemporaries are more concerned with winning record sales and magazine covers, Jimmy Eat World aim to win hearts. Sadly, not all hearts are won from where I am standing. ‘For Me This Is Heaven’ is marred by a group of punters seemingly in competition with the lousy PA who proceed to chatter rather audibly over the music, whilst another group appear to be more interested in taking photos of each other. Why pay £17 for a ticket when you can do the same for free down your local? Still, the majority are generally receptive as a few buoyant souls proceed to crowd surf during ‘Pain’ and ‘Bleed American’. Although few risks are taken tonight, they do rework ‘Your House’ into a convincing, almost countrified slice of soft rock, not too dissimilar to Fleetwood Mac or Eagles. Not their best show, but even on autopilot, Jimmy Eat World ooze a certain quality and integrity missing from today’s rock scene. |