Jimmy Eat World - Brixton Academy
Artist profile:
Jimmy Eat World
Date: 18/02/08
Rating: ****
When it comes to individual headline tours, this is the biggest show Jimmy have played within the UK. And while the Brixton Academy boasts a star studded history, you get the feeling it’s rather a modest setting in which to celebrate the music of one of America’s most influential bands. But then again, if you could describe Jimmy Eat World in one word, it would be modest and when they glide through such classics as ‘The Middle’ and ‘Sweetness’ later this evening, the venue and context in which you judge this band is lost almost forever under the five thousand odd voices that sing their words in unison.
Similarly the four men on stage don’t dress like attention seeking twats or preach for world peace in between songs because all they want to do (all they’ve ever wanted to do) is play the music they’ve made and are intensely proud of. As a result, tonight’s performance isn’t one to celebrate the greatness of Arizona’s finest but one that concentrates on putting on a good show for the guys and gals who have paid good money to see one.
It isn’t all plain sailing this evening however as the average side to this band rears its head more then a few times, mostly in the way of the new album. 'Chase The Light' has had more then enough time to become familiar with the Jimmy devotees but there’s a subdued atmosphere surrounding it's airings, with the exception of the exceptional ‘Big Casino’.
The choice of songs this evening is slightly odd when considering most people here are going to be recent converts. ‘Disintegration’ from the widely ignored 'Stay On My Side...' EP has everyone baffled while 'Clarity'’s ‘Blister’ is a subtle dedication to the front few rows who would follow this band anywhere.
Lesser bands of course would crumble in front of a quiet Academy yet Jimmy have more then a few tricks up their sleeves. Brixton is seemingly transformed from subdued to ecstatic with the flick of a switch on several occasions tonight. ‘Bleed American’ and the glorious ‘Hear You Me’ are confirmed classics while ‘Pain’ and ‘23’ are great songs which can be slipped in and out of a set list with great effect and can turn a simply average gig into a quality show.
They do exactly that tonight and while this was not Jimmy at their spellbinding best it was the sign of a band that are a long way off performing their greatest hits. The aura that surrounds their presence is one that suggests there’s plenty more greatness to come.
Sam Tolley
Jimmy Eat World Official Site
Jimmy Eat World Myspace
Buy Jimmy Eat World CDs | Buy Jimmy Eat World mp3s | Buy Jimmy Eat World Tickets | Buy Jimmy Eat World Merch
Date: 18/02/08
Rating: ****
When it comes to individual headline tours, this is the biggest show Jimmy have played within the UK. And while the Brixton Academy boasts a star studded history, you get the feeling it’s rather a modest setting in which to celebrate the music of one of America’s most influential bands. But then again, if you could describe Jimmy Eat World in one word, it would be modest and when they glide through such classics as ‘The Middle’ and ‘Sweetness’ later this evening, the venue and context in which you judge this band is lost almost forever under the five thousand odd voices that sing their words in unison.
Similarly the four men on stage don’t dress like attention seeking twats or preach for world peace in between songs because all they want to do (all they’ve ever wanted to do) is play the music they’ve made and are intensely proud of. As a result, tonight’s performance isn’t one to celebrate the greatness of Arizona’s finest but one that concentrates on putting on a good show for the guys and gals who have paid good money to see one.
It isn’t all plain sailing this evening however as the average side to this band rears its head more then a few times, mostly in the way of the new album. 'Chase The Light' has had more then enough time to become familiar with the Jimmy devotees but there’s a subdued atmosphere surrounding it's airings, with the exception of the exceptional ‘Big Casino’.
The choice of songs this evening is slightly odd when considering most people here are going to be recent converts. ‘Disintegration’ from the widely ignored 'Stay On My Side...' EP has everyone baffled while 'Clarity'’s ‘Blister’ is a subtle dedication to the front few rows who would follow this band anywhere.
Lesser bands of course would crumble in front of a quiet Academy yet Jimmy have more then a few tricks up their sleeves. Brixton is seemingly transformed from subdued to ecstatic with the flick of a switch on several occasions tonight. ‘Bleed American’ and the glorious ‘Hear You Me’ are confirmed classics while ‘Pain’ and ‘23’ are great songs which can be slipped in and out of a set list with great effect and can turn a simply average gig into a quality show.
They do exactly that tonight and while this was not Jimmy at their spellbinding best it was the sign of a band that are a long way off performing their greatest hits. The aura that surrounds their presence is one that suggests there’s plenty more greatness to come.
Sam Tolley
Jimmy Eat World Official Site
Jimmy Eat World Myspace
Buy Jimmy Eat World CDs | Buy Jimmy Eat World mp3s | Buy Jimmy Eat World Tickets | Buy Jimmy Eat World Merch
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