Volume CXXXIII, Number 11 November 30, 2001 f

Jimmy Eat World pushes punk rock boundaries
BRIAN DUNN
STAFF WRITER

The pop-punk scene of today is one of the fastest growing genres in modern music as best evidenced by the new wave of Blink-182 wannabes. Every rock station you go to, there seems be another version of "All the Small Things," just with different words.

At first glance, Bleed American, Jimmy Eat World's fifth studio effort, could seem like this, but in reality it's so much more. Take the sounds of Sum 41, add sincerity and a big dose of intensity and you've got Jimmy Eat World.

"Emo," or emotional punk rock has never really broken into the mainstream. Jimmy Eat World was picked up by a major record label on their first album, but failed to move a significant number of copies on that or any previous effort. However, Bleed American, after riding on its hit title track, has gotten airplay on MTV and on modern rock radio stations. As with most underground fans of a specific genre, the "emo" kids now refer to Jimmy Eat World as anything but "emo," after their small burst of popularity. It's clear, however, that the sound that this foursome created on Bleed American is essentially the definition of emo-emotional, intense punk rock.

The title track is a loud and powerful adrenaline rush that combines the hard-hitting sounds of modern rock with the edgy riffs of punk. "The Middle," Jimmy Eat World's newest single, is a great pop song with a catchy chorus that will stay in your head even after the first listening. "Sweetness," the album's highlight, is a good song about learning how to let go.

Jimmy Eat World, unlike other modern pop-rock bands, isn't afraid to turn off the amps. "Your House," and "Hear You Me," are acoustic numbers that resonate with sincerity and show the diversity that this band has to offer.

The ephemeral world of punk rock brings bands up just as fast as it can knock them down. Having been around since 1994, Jimmy Eat World has a degree of staying power in the industry because of their unique style and attention demanding songs. Maybe they're not ready to breakout into the mainstream quite yet, but having an album with 11 great songs puts them on the right track.

Rating 3.5 polar bears (out of 4)