Jimmy Eat World – Damage

If someone had suggested that the band responsible for the teen rock single “The Middle” would still be a consistent and reliable rock/emo staple ten years later, I would have had my doubts.  Yet here we are, four albums post Bleed American and the Jimmy Eat World name still means something special. 

But having surpassed their twentieth straight year and eighth studio album is no small accident.  Considering that most of their peers have been through all sorts of ups and downs (look at the roller coaster careers of bands like Blink 182, Taking Back Sunday, or Sum 41), Jimmy Eat World has a reputation for being that old friend you can always count on.  Even though you’ve changed and neglected to stay in touch over the time apart, they’re still waiting for you with arms open.

As is clear in their latest effort, Damage, a significant part of that comfort comes from the ever-talented Jim Adkins.  With a voice every bit as fragile as it is confident, years in the industry have done little to dull Adkins’ sincerity.  Look no further than the title track for that essential connection.  The effortless combination of acoustic and plugged in guitars take mere moments before leading listeners to a wispy melodic chorus enriched by the subtle whisper of layered harmonies.  Others like “How’d You Have Me” or “I Will Steal You Back” channel the same lively energy and catchy hooks as in past years.

But a band can’t get this far by recycling the same riffs over the past ten years; rather a growing maturity has paced Jimmy Eat World’s career since their early days.  Without altering their fundamentals, the youthful energy defining “The Middle” has evolved into the intelligent reflective depth of slow thinkers like “Please Say No” or “You Were Good.”  It’s refreshing to hear a band so comfortable to let go of their juvenile years and embrace their adult selves.

All in all, Damage exists confidently within the distinctive Jimmy Eat World universe.  Itdoesn’t make any grand statements or radically alter the Mesa, Arizona pillar’s path; yet Damage serves as a reminder as to why the thought of a new Jimmy Eat World remains an exciting prospect.  The band takes few risks but proves that there is still plenty of mileage left in their small, safe steps.