(label)
21 October 2016 (released)
19 October 2016
After their commercial breakthrough album “Bleed American” was released in 2001, Jimmy Eat World found themselves cemented in the pop-punk hall of fame. Despite forming in 1993 and releasing three albums prior to their breakthrough, it was with “Bleed American” and follow-up album 'Futures' that the Arizona four-piece found their signature sound.
It seems from there on, however, the band stayed in their comfort zone, which could be argued is no bad thing – if it ain't broke, don't fix it?
But unless you were a teenager in the 2000s, Jimmy Eat World may not be on your radar, and most certainly have been overshadowed by the likes of Blink 182 and Green Day.
That's not to say these guys are under-dogs, with tracks like 'The Middle' and 'Pain' reaching number one in several rock-charts, and sixth album 'Chase The Light' achieving huge success across the pond in the boys' homeland.
“Integrity Blues”, Jimmy Eat World's ninth album, sees the band exploring several different styles, beginning with atmospheric opening track 'You With Me', which boasts a great sing-along chorus, evoking an image of a crowd pleasing tour moment.
It's been commented on the lead up to the release of this new album, that the band have written retrospectively of life's changes as they have grown older.
Pondering cautiously, 'Matters' compliments a reflective lyrical narrative, “I think about us dancing, but it's not something we do...” over a wondering tune that maintains composure.
Half-way through the album, the band explore several ends of the musical spectrum. 'Pass The Baby' possess a mysterious, night-time sound with elements of indie. Slightly breaking away from the pop-punk sound Jimmy Eat World have become known for, the track climaxes with a dark guitar outro, heavily throttling your ear-drums and building up intensity. Boiling point is reached at the first single chosen to be released from the new album, entitled 'Get It Right', and that's exactly what they've done. With fiery intent, Jimmy Eat World's fierce comeback song is a perfect moment on the album.
Entering the final section of the album, Jimmy Eat World return to a mature and steady sound with 'You Are Free' and 'Everything Is Beautiful', both creating a rather melancholy mood, before we are thrown into the upbeat and perfectly pop, 'Thought',
Title track 'Integrity Blues' floats and echoes through a cavernous stream of consciousness until we hit 'Pol Roger'. An uplifting spirit resides and it is without question that these guys work well together and have a strong sense of who they are, musically. Not quite stadium filling but definitely festival friendly with perhaps the boys setting their sights on next summer's rounds.
