JIMMY EAT WORLD
INVENTED
SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
It is clear from the first note on track one that Mark Trombino is back with his touches that just accentuate the best of Jimmy Eat World. The band has finally found a way to mold together the more mellow early writing with the harder edged compositions that made Bleed American a home run. When track two burst through the speakers, "they’re back" is what the listener is thinking. Since "My Best Theory" preceded the full length release, it gave the band an opportunity to see what the public was thinking.
The emotion that Adkins presses out with his vocal chords in "Action Needs An Audience" makes sound takes on a new meaning. He leaves this level of singing to just on one track. If he would push this out on other songs he would really be able to show off his range. Since they are still considered an 'emo' band, it is unlikely they would allow for more tracks like this to appear. Looking back on Bleed American they proven that they could do it without leaving their steady fans behind. As a matter of fact they grew in fan-base with a little help from great musical arrangements and Trombino.
The song list order puts the best songs on the earlier tracks, but that does not say the end is less than great. "Mixtape" completes the CD, leaving the listener wanting to take another spin. During the second run through it is clear that the band has written a guitar-oriented record that does not undercut the vocals. When hearing a CD for the first time I want it to grab me, pick me up, and take me on a journey. This journey needs to be lyrical as well as musical that does not make me feel tired or overwhelmed.
Bleed American grabbed me by the throat from the first chord and did not let go until the final note. My attention was held with surprising effectiveness. The feel was almost the same during the playback of Invented with just a few tracks that were not able to achieve the same effect. Overall, this CD will hold up to other good pop/rock albums but just slights the listener a bit from the quality of Bleed American.
11/29/10
RUSTY
9/28/10