I may have come late to this band since they have been around since 1993 with their share of career ups and downs, but it’s a sheer pleasure to hear something this fresh.
Their 10th studio album is called “Surviving”. A emo/punk/alt wink at all the folks who may have doubted their ability to stick it out.
A consistent sound that falls somewhere between R.E.M. and Green Day; remaining authentic alt rocker outsiders.
Jimmy Eat World:
- Jim Adkins – lead guitar, lead and backing vocals (1993–present)
- Zach Lind – drums, percussion, programming (1993–present)
- Tom Linton – rhythm guitar, backing and lead vocals (1993–present)
- Rick Burch – bass, backing vocals (1995–present)
This record has a fresh quality that would surprise any listener aware that it’s a tenth album.
Each song bristles with energy. You don’t have to be a fan of this kind of music to enjoy the sounds on this album.
Track List:
| 1. | “Surviving” | 3:04 |
| 2. | “Criminal Energy” | 3:11 |
| 3. | “Delivery” | 3:13 |
| 4. | “555” | 3:41 |
| 5. | “One Mil” | 3:07 |
| 6. | “All the Way (Stay)” | 4:05 |
| 7. | “Diamond” | 3:13 |
| 8. | “Love Never” | 2:54 |
| 9. | “Recommit” | 3:50 |
| 10. | “Congratulations” | 6:11 |
| 36:29 |
The self-assured title opener crackles with endless riffs. “Criminal Energy” drives with melody that are a mix of pop and punk.
“Delivery” is a pretty percussive piece of balladry. “555” is an ominous synth shift into another mode. This track is modern rock. Real catchy with just a great hook. The vocals shine brightly here.
A basic acoustic arrangement is looped into “One Mil”, a love song with pop punk sensibility, that asks how chances at love are missed. A propulsive beat keeps threading itself throughout.
“All The Way (Stay)” opens with strumming and drumming that is captivating. A pleading message to a mate.
The vocals are varied enough to keep you listening with engagement. There is an unexpected sax solo with back-up vocals too.
Like all the tracks contained here there are quick witted breaks in the riffs.
“Diamond” opens in similar fashion with power riffs. A song about aspirations. The quality of the singing is especially ripe on this track. Slow and sure is the best path in life.
“Love Never” is just a great power pop song. The lead guitars are super here.
“Recommit” has the slowest build up. It’s worth the patience. About the different levels of love/commitment.
The set ends with the epic, “Congratulations”, a completely propulsive song with lead and backing vocals that have a mix of angelic yet foreboding mystery around them.
The band pulls out all the stops with synth, percussive beats that accent the chords well. Symphonic quality with a pop/punk delivery.
This album would make a nice addition to any audio library.
Evan's Gate 
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