JIMMY EAT WORLD
FUTURES
It is difficult to let go of Bleed American because it had so few flaws that there is fear of Futures letting the listener down. The leadoff single "Pain" gives the distinct impression that the band is maturing without walking away from the sounds they began to build on their previous album. Still, lyrically they cannot dominate as they tend to withdraw into a more pop style structure. They have not been able to capture the state of mind that surrounded the recording of Bleed American, which caught your ear with every track as if it had been in your collection forever. "Work" is possibly the one track that is most reflective of what the band began to build on the previous release. Mark Trombino, although starting as the producer as he had in the three previous records, soon departed the project due to disagreements. Is it possible that Trombino was the equivalent of Billy Preston, also known as 'the Fifth Beatle'? He is credited as more than just the producer on the albums with his drum background. He contributed percussion and was also involved in the programming. Can the missing component lie on his shoulders but reflect on the bands decision to go their separate ways?
The one bright spot is "Nothingwrong", a powerful monster unleashed close to the end of the disc. This should have been the lead off single that would capture the band's sound and let fans know that they would not be disappointed. Instead, they hide it until long after some have listened through the two pop/rock style songs and lost interest. With "Nothingwrong" as a leadoff, the band should have begun building from there. In some respects the band went back to the softer, less competitive style of songwriting. The band has put a good effort into this record but it will stand to be an equivalent to a sophomore flop. A letdown from the previous release, this is not to say that it is completely without some merit. There are bright spots peppered throughout the recording. Pop/rock radio stations will be happy to play each single released and listeners will get the repetitious lyrics caught in their minds but it will not be able to hold up to Bleed American.
11/29/10
RUSTY
10/19/04