Arizona alt-rock band Jimmy Eat World are releasing their tenth full-length record, Surviving, and it's not their best work. The title track delivers the punchiest of guitar hooks, instantly letting listeners know that they're in for one hell of a ride. The drum solo and the key change before the bridge make the song so much more memorable.
Unfortunately, the excitement is short-lived; second track "Criminal Energy" is underwhelming and one-note. "555" is different, but not in a good way; the band try their hand at soulful pop rock, and it's cringeworthy. The same can be said for "All The Way (Stay)" — someone should remind Jimmy Eat World that they're not Bon Jovi.
The band redeem themselves a little with the angsty, guitar-heavy "Congratulations," but it doesn't make up for the mediocrity of the rest of the album. If you're a diehard fan, you could give Surviving a chance, but if you're only a fan of their pop punk and emo efforts, it's best to skip this one.
(RCA)Unfortunately, the excitement is short-lived; second track "Criminal Energy" is underwhelming and one-note. "555" is different, but not in a good way; the band try their hand at soulful pop rock, and it's cringeworthy. The same can be said for "All The Way (Stay)" — someone should remind Jimmy Eat World that they're not Bon Jovi.
The band redeem themselves a little with the angsty, guitar-heavy "Congratulations," but it doesn't make up for the mediocrity of the rest of the album. If you're a diehard fan, you could give Surviving a chance, but if you're only a fan of their pop punk and emo efforts, it's best to skip this one.