September 13th Jimmy Eat World brought The Integrity Blues tour to Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas. For me, this year has been about reconnecting with the music that I grew up listening to. I had never seen Jimmy Eat World live before, but they had always been on my playlists and mixtapes since I was in High School. So I thought since it was the day after my birthday I would like to see them live.
Worcester, Massachusetts’ very own The Hotelier (aka The Hotel Year) opened the show. The band consists of Christian Holden (vocals/bass), Chris Hoffman (vocals/guitar), Ben Gauthier (guitar), and Sam Frederick (drums). I found myself really into their music and not being able to pin point who they reminded me of. They have a sound that is uniquely their own and they were well deserving of the opening act position. I also have to add that Ben Gauthier’s father, Ron, is super proud of his son. He made sure to point out to me that his son was the guitarist. I highly suggest checking out “Two Deliverances” and “Sun”. Both songs are featured on their latest release Goodness. I look forward to seeing this band again next time they pass through Vegas.
My long time friend is a MASSIVE fan of Jimmy Eat World. Believe me when I say that I was nervous about this show because the bar had been set extremely high. I also didn’t know any songs except those on Bleed American…which was released in 2001. So, you could say I was a little worried.
Opening their set with “Sure and Certain” I immediately sent a text to my friend that simply said, “Holy Shit”. I still cannot believe how good they sounded. This band is one of the rare bands that might possibly sound better live than they do on an album. Song after song, I just kept saying to myself, “wow”. I didn’t know any words or songs (I knew the Bleed American songs would come later), but I just felt connected and mesmerized. Jim Adkins is super human. He sings like no one else can; then he speaks and he is this humble, normal dude. Then he starts singing again and once more he is this beautiful creature who sings these incredible lyrics with ease.
I was nearly crawling out of my skin at this point because, I was dying to hear them play “Work”. That is one of my all time favorite songs. They started playing it and I felt goosebumps all over my body. There is a line that I have always loved “I can’t say I was never wrong but, some blame rests on you” and the crowd finished the line in perfect unison, “work and play they’re never okay to mix the way we do”. It was one of those moments that makes you feel glad to be alive. To be witnessing something so cool. This set was one of those that made me feel so honored to do what I do. There are concerts that make you feel good. Then there are shows that make you feel like you’ve been holding your breath under water and finally, you came up for air. This is exactly what this show was for me: a long gasp after being submerged.
Now, I find myself wondering why I left off at Bleed American. Luckily, they have many more albums I can listen to with their most recent being Integrity Blues. Unfortunately, they are wrapping up this tour, but I have a feeling some new music will come sooner than later and you can bet that I will be there. I might also know more songs by then. Who am I kidding? I definitely will because I am now into a deep Jimmy Eat World hole.
PHOTO CREDITS: All photos by Courtney Ware for ZRockR Magazine – ©ZRockR Magazine – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
