it's finally here (officially)

for the first time in some three years, there is new, non b-side jimmy eat world material available for purchase. 'Futures' was released in america today to throngs of anxious, eager fans who have waited several years for it to come. i feel as though it is possible for me to write this now, as it was released today (legally). several things are apparent in the latest endeavor. the album maintains a darker feel which is immediately noticable in the music of songs like 'pain' and 'nothing wrong' and in the lyrics of 'drugs for me'. no longer singing along with the jesus and mary chain playing on the jukebox, they have created songs which seem immensely more heartfelt and passionate, with more serious connotations.

given a great deal more of serious, label-backed studio time, musically the songs soar to heights previously only perceived at live events. tracks like 'polaris' and 'futures' feature depth and layering which as a fan, i had only imagined they could produce. a leave from staple producer Mark Trombino marks a sound which feels infintely new and fresh yet completely comfortable and appropriate. layers of hard guitar, crisp and bright vocals, string arrangements, and at times eighties throwback synthesized sounds ('nothing wrong') present us with a beautiful mix and a model for *cringe* 'pop rock' production.

'futures' is the perfect blend of catchy, throbbing rhythms, magical guitar work, and infectious rock: a testament to the song writing prowess of the band, namely Jim Adkins. it is by no means an answer to 'bleed american' (self titled) and after reading an explanation on the website i agree, more of a follow up to 'clarity' with of course the incorporation of many lessons learned along the way. for those who are expecting 'the middle' disappointment may be inevitable: the song writing has evolved in a phenomenal, but notably different way. there is no song which stands out as better than another and there is no song put together recklessly. the feeling that honest, sincere musicianship was devoted to the entire process of the album development is clear and the results are brilliant.

i hope you enjoy it as much as i do.

Comments

[charlotte]

glad to see you are still rocking out.